Tonight we note the passing of an iconic Belize city character. Ray Mossiah - legally known as Henry Leslie - and known in the streets as JB - short for "James Brown" - cut quite a figure when he whipped through the city - always on a spotless bicycle. He continued to do that - even up to the age of 79 - when he was knocked off that bicycle - causing injuries which led to his death. Today, Jules Vasquez asked a friend to remember what made "JB" such a distinctly Belize City icon:
This was Thursday, 24th July when 79 year old Henry Leslie also known as Ray Mossiah was knocked down. He was injured and went to the hospital where he was released. The next morning he went back to the hospital with abdominal pain. He ended up up in the Intensive Care Unit where he died on Thursday night - one week after he was hit. He was remembered as a man of unique style in the city streets:
Clinton Pulu Lightburn, Knew "JB" Well
"James Brown!"
Jules Vasquez
"What was his significance in the city?"
Clinton Pulu Lightburn, Knew "JB" Well
"Ray Mossiah - He was a fixture, not just an Albert Street, but throughout Belize city. He could always be seen riding around on his white bicycle, which he washed three times a day. He was also super clean, that the same thing with the afro."
"He had the prettiest, neatest afro. He does pat his afro with a piece of card board box. He patted it so that it have a structure. But he was also a great dancer and a DJ back in the days when they used to have house party and lodge hall dance. He rode his bycycle with records under his arm."
And, for a certain era - he was a sort of style icon:
Clinton Pulu Lightburn, Knew "JB" Well
"In the 60s and early 70s, he rode a bike with soul. That's JB for you."
So far, no one has been charged for causing the injuries which may have led to Leslie's death.
