Sister of ‘Big Tom’ speaks out: ‘He Was Battling for Change’

Kenneth ‘Big Tom’ Flowers was known as one of the “most feared” figures in Belize City’s violent gang scene years back, but his recent efforts to steer at-risk youth away from violence left a whole community in mourning.

According to Andrew Dawson, Director of the LIU, “His history and his past, based on who he was currently, was a total different 360-degree different turn. Mr. Flowers was one of the voices of peace and reasoning within these communities.”

Dawson said Flowers’ efforts to promote conflict resolution reflected the difficulties faced by individuals trying to escape the grip of past affiliations while also mirroring the larger issues of community rehabilitation and the struggles of those wanting to reform.

“To see someone who has been through the mills actually change his life or was on the path of changing his life and wanting to contribute positively to his community is a very sad time; it’s disheartening for us, as we’ve lost one of the soldiers who was very instrumental as it relates to continuing to speak that voice of peace and reasoning within these communities,” Dawson added.

The 47-year-old was shot and killed on Monday afternoon in Belize City. Around 4:35 p.m., Flowers was driving near the corner of Mopan and Mahogany Street when an unknown gunman opened fire on his vehicle. He was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His sister, Britney Manuel, told News 5, “I know it wasn’t easy… For a while my brother was trying to change; he was battling with himself because he wanted better, he wanted change. The journey was definitely not easy for him.”

Manuel said Flowers had begun building a studio to give youths a creative outlet. “Before he built his house, he stoned the studio. It’s not finished; he had different plans for it, but he made sure we had enough to start with, to keep the youths off the street. Make them come in the studio, get cracking, and do what they enjoy.”

“For me it is the fact that he went through all of that and held himself accountable,” she added. “Even though he’s gone, I feel like he’s at peace. He was changing, and I’m happy for that.”