Andy Palacio will have an official funeral tomorrow in his home village of Barranco. But today the city got its chance to say goodbye to the man who was Belize's most loved performer. A memorial service was held at the Bliss Center and a motorcade through the city streets followed. And that's the news tonight: the number of Belizeans who came out at noon to see the hearse of this people's hero proceed through the city's streets to the municipal airstrip. Keith Swift was out there to gauge public reaction.
Keith Swift Reporting,
The mood seemed almost festive as Garifuna drummers led the motorcade for Andy Palacio. They beat the drums while family, friends, and fans walked solemnly behind the BDF hearse - which was carrying Palacio's casket - draped with a Belizean flag. It began as a motorcade but by the time it crossed the Swing Bridge - it became a people's procession. And from Queen Street to New Road - to along the entire stretch of St. Thomas Street Belizeans left their jobs the homes and schools to line up. Most were school
children with flags - waiting for Andy's casket to pass.
Boy #1: I think he was a good guy.
Boy #2: He was a great singer.
Boy #3: He was a very good man.
Keith Swift to Kids: Did you enjoy his music?
Children: Yes.
Keith Swift: What is Your Favorite Song?
Children: Watina.
And while kids danced and waved flags - the adults had cameras, phones, and posters. They were more reflective.
Woman #1: I didn't really know him but he is a celebrity.
I can't even explain but he has touched my heart and my life and I am out here with the DHL crew giving our support. He was so young and so vibrant and he was looking froward to a lot of things in life. So I really feel it.
Man #1: Andy Palacio music was powerful man, really powerful. From I heard the album I loved it. It was kind of painful. Love the music, love the guy.
Woman #2: A little depressed because he was a great person to this country and being that he is gone now, all we can do is remember and live by his memories. He made me feel good as a Belizean.
And there is love for Andy in the streets because fans say they didn't understand his lyrics - but he did something only few have done.
Woman #3: He put Belize on the map. He stood for Belize and he stood for what he believes in. He stood up and supported his culture and I think that is what every Belizean should do.
Woman #4: He put us on the map culturally and I think
that's very important...when you are not related to somebody its not that kind of attachment but I think it is a sad thing for every Belizean.
Man #2: He brought a lot of exposure to this beautiful country of ours Belize and what more can we say about a legend.
Woman #5: He was a great hero to our country so we are out here to pay our respect...he was so nice and friendly, always had that beautiful smile...he made me feel great.
He made every Belizean feel great but he made the Garinagu people feel proud
- including Supa G.
Supa G., Punta Rock Artist
"This is a great loss to Belize, especially to the music industry, a great person like Andy. So I had to come out here to show my support, at least to say my first goodbye until tomorrow."
Keith Swift,
What did Andy mean to you?
Supa G.,
"A whole lot. The reason why I am in music or I am doing punta rock is because of Andy. The first time I actually heard Andy music, right there I decided I had to be a punta rock artist, I had to be a musician. So he is like my idol, a role model, and it is because of Andy I am Supa G today so he means a whole lot to me."
Keith Swift,
Do you think Andy can be replaced?
Supa G.,
"Never."
Garifuna Woman #1: He is a Garifuna man and this is the greatest Garifuna because he showed us to know ourselves. It is knowing yourself brother. It is knowing yourself.
Garifuna Man #1: To me Andy was good for us the Garifuna. He showed us the way to continue our history.
Garifuna Man #2: Talking in Garifuna.
At the airstrip his casket was taken off the hearse and placed on the waiting Cessna caravan for the 45 minute flight. His still grief stricken daughters joined him on the plane. While in the background a crowd gathered. There was
drumming - I was told it was a spiritual song - a message - and as they chanted -some just couldn't hold back the tears.
And as the plane left - the crowd waved flags and the drummers beat as the city said goodbye to the man they call the legend.
[Plane Flying Off and Crowd Waving]
The body was flown to Punta Gorda where another motorcade was carried the body through the town and unto Barrranco where the official funeral will be held tomorrow. And in our next segment we'll show you the emotional memorial service that preceded that procession.
