Only a little over a week after she turned 71, the great Sylvia Flores passed away from natural causes last night. Flores was, by all reports, a giant of a woman, taking on positions that had previously only been held by men. She was a leader, first, in her Dangriga community, and then for the country of Belize, and, always, a role model for young women.
Flores was taught the importance of hard work and discipline from an early age by her parents, and then went on to get her BA in economics and political science from Hunter College in New York City.
When she returned to Belize, she became an educator before paving the way for women in politics. Even as illness overcame her, she reached out to those who currently hold leadership positions to offer guidance and wisdom.
The impact Flores had on not only Dangriga but on the entire country is significant, and Courtney Menzies spoke to those who had a chance to see her in action. Here is her story.
Flores served under two time prime minister Said Musa. In a short statement, he said, quote, "Honourable Sylvia Flores was a dedicated servant of the people! She served as an outstanding high school teacher, a Mayor of her hometown Dangriga and later entered the political arena as the PUP candidate for that municipality and won her seat after serving as the appointed Speaker of the House, which she acquitted with distinction… Ms. Flores will long be remembered as a public officer with integrity and will be in the hearts and minds of her Garifuna people and citizens of Belize throughout the length and breadth of our nation!" End quote.
Flores was an only child, and had one daughter herself. She also leaves behind five grandchildren.
