Tonight, Mushea McDonald, otherwise known as "Mr Tru Blue Breggin", is walking home after his bike - THE national bike - was stolen.
McDonald, who is Minister Francis Fonseca's driver, was at the minister's home yesterday afternoon when the thief strolled into the yard and rode off on the bike.
But this wasn't just any bike, it's one you've probably seen many times, since its rims are always decked-out with the blue and white of the PUP party. But recently, McDonald made the switch and turned it into Belize's bike, with the Coat of Arms on its wheels. Today, we spoke with McDonald about the theft, and he said that as long as the bike is taken care of, he's willing to forgive and forget. Courtney Menzies has this story.
You've probably seen this bike before, riding around in the city with Mushea McDonald at the helm.
He calls it the national bike since he customized the Coat of Arms on its rims. And yesterday, this most prized possession was stolen from inside Minister Francis Fonseca's yard.
Mushea "Mr Breggin" McDonald, Owner of National Bike
"Apparently about after 2, I went to check on his yard, but in the morning they had the guy that went and chopped the yard so he locked up the dogs. So it's two guys, they passed, one went in, the next one was the lookout. So apparently they went in the yard trying to steal something else, or one of the dogs, because they have a nice Husky dog. So apparently he couldn't find whatever he is looking for so my bike was left open, I usually lock my bike. But the best part that sweet me is the way he jumped on the bike, it's the same way I jump on my bike and that really hurt me but I put it to a loss. And like what Michelle Obama said when she was the first lady when they go low, you go high. And it's the national bike, people, come on! Everybody know my bike, but it's okay though, just keep on moving forward. Just take care of my bike, please take care of my bike."
"I had it over thirteen, so that bike was with me for 13 years of the pain of the last administration, trust me, so everybody know my bike. I customize my bike every year for cancer month, different month, I was just thinking to do it like how it's November the 19th. So I said I will hold on a little while, so I did it for September so I said like how my party win now, I move it from the PUP bike to the national bike because we run this country now."
And while it was painful for McDonald to see someone else riding his bike, he's taking the loss in stride, even though he doesn't think he'll ever see his beloved bike again.
Courtney Menzies:
"You don't think you'll get it back because everybody recognizes your bike, you don't think someone will come and say hey, I saw your bike here or there?"
Mushea "Mr Breggin" McDonald, Owner of National Bike
"I don't think so because everything on that bike is brand new. I usually take my bike to Mr Brown on Plues Street, because he is the man that fix my bike, he is the doctor of bike, Mr Brown, so everything was brand new and working fine so when I see the guy open the gate and jump on it I said daaamnnn that's just how I jump on my bike, everything is in tiptop shape but I say it's all good, enjoy the national bike, take care of the bike."
Courtney Menzies:
"Are you planning to get a new bike to customize?"
Mushea "Mr Breggin" McDonald, Owner of National Bike
"Yes I will, it's the national bike, so I need to replace it quick, fast and hurry."
Courtney Menzies:
"Old bring new, nuh?"
Mushea "Mr Breggin" McDonald, Owner of National Bike
"That's right, they say old bring new, until then I'll be using my foot, foot soldier. I'm in good shape for that."
Still, if you've seen the bike around - and it isn't hard to miss(!), we're sure McDonald will appreciate the tip.
The robbery was caught on the surveillance cameras of a neighbour's home.
