Local Artist Plans Mural to Honour Albert Street Fruit Vendor Jerry Lopez

A new mural is planned on Albert Street to honour Jerry Lopez, the beloved fruit vendor whose presence for decades gave downtown Belize City its character. Lopez passed away after suffering a medical emergency on Albert Street last Monday.

Local visual artist Alex Sanker wants to make sure Jerry’s legacy lives on. He has drafted a mural that will capture Jerry seated at his fruit stand beneath a street sign reading “King Jerry Street.” The plan is to place the mural on a building wall directly across from where Jerry worked for years.

Sanker, who knew Lopez for more than three decades, says the idea came naturally. “Me and Jerry go way back. Thirty-three years.” He added, “I’m into recognising good people, giving them that recognition, and letting their legacy live on.”

He described Jerry simply: “Jerry was positivity. Jerry was therapy, psychologist, comedian, a brother. Most importantly, a brother.”

Sanker explained that he is reaching out to building owners to secure the wall space and is confident the project will move forward. “By the grace of God, I have no doubts that they will say yes.”

While some have suggested renaming the street itself in Jerry’s honour, Sanker says his canvas will carry the message regardless.

For Albert Street regulars, the mural promises to be more than paint on a wall. It will be a lasting reminder of a man whose presence defined the heart of downtown Belize City.