And we close tonight with one more remembrance of Sir Manuel, Belize's second and fourth Prime Minister who died yesterday. A short while ago, the CARICOM Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett issued a statement, saying, quote,
"I viewed Sir Manuel as a calm, thoughtful leader whose importance to the evolution of an independent Belize cannot be overestimated. His scientific training imbued his actions with a deliberate logic which allied to his personal integrity and honesty made him a formidable presence in Belize's public life.
I extend deepest condolences to Lady Kathy and the Esquivel family and to the Government and People of Belize on the loss of Sir Manuel who was truly a fine example of what a life in public service should be."
End quote.
Today, when we spoke to former Prime Minister Dean Barrow, he gave us one anecdote that succinctly captured Esquivel's unflappability:
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Former Prime Minister
"We were one time in El Salvador on some official visit and a bunch of us in an elevator and the elevator got stuck. Now, 6-7 persons in an elevator you can imagine even if you're not claustrophobic you starting sweating. Manuel did not break into any kind of a sweat when I am there getting anxious and when they will fix this damn thing - had not a problem, just stood there almost unperturbed and ultimately you know he was a physicist, he did something and open the elevator door, but its not just that, its the fact that throughout we were there half an hour and he was utterly unmoved."
Reports suggest Barrow will be asked to speak at the Esquivel memorial next week.
