But service at the hospital continues, and one of Belize's most well loved and celebrated public figures is receiving it tonight. Garifuna and world music icon Andy Palacio is at the Universal Health Services Hospital receiving treatment for what is being called a 'serious issue.' The 47 year old was rushed from his home in Belmopan to the Western Regional Hospital this morning. When the first word went out, the report was that he'd had a stroke. And while that was what it was thought to be, 7NEWS has learned that he did not have a stroke. His family says that Palacio - who is also Belize's cultural ambassador - was ill from the weekend which led to this morning's emergency. From the Belmopan Hospital he was transferred to the Belize Diagnostic Center where he underwent a series of tests. That's where we met his family and a stream of close friends.
After a meeting with neurosurgeon Dr. Joel Cervantez - NICH President - and a close friend to Palacio - Yasser Musa told us he was optimistic.
Yasser Musa, President - NICH
"I am optimistic from what the doctor told me that it is a serious issue that Andy has but it could be managed. We are getting him the best medical treatment. He's been taking over to the Universal Hospital and Dr. Cervantes
has given us and the family his assurance that he will be getting the best medical treatment. As you know in medicine there are a lot of variables and we can't have a definitive answer but I can tell you definitively that the whole country of Belize is hopeful and praying and giving the best wishes. I just had a quick chat with Andy earlier and he is in good spirits. He is talking, he is smiling, he is the cheerful Andy that we all know and he is, I believe, very grateful that people are thinking about him today and we are going to be all wishing him a speedy recovery."
And as we mentioned family and friends have been at Andy's side since this morning. His nephew Gene Lopez was with Andy for most of the afternoon while the family waited for the test results from Belize Diagnostic Center. While Andy declined to speak to us, he did have a message for his fans.
Gene Lopez, Nephew
"Like everybody else the man has fallen ill and at this point in time he just said to give you a thumbs up and he is going back home."
Keith Swift,
What happened?
Gene Lopez,
"Well that far I can't go. He just said to give a two thumbs up and he will be alright. As soon as he gets through - he will come out and give a statement."
Keith Swift,
He is headed for home?
Gene Lopez,
"Definitely."
Jules Vasquez,
How does he look? He has so many fans who are wondering.
Gene Lopez,
"He looks just like me."
That interview was conducted before the test results and so Andy is now in the Universal Health Services Hospital. Andy Palacio is also a cultural ambassador, a UNESCO Artist for Peace, and of course last year he won a WOMEX award for his breakthrough album Watina which topped the international charts.
