Tony Zabaneh Remembered For Transformative Leadership

Belize has lost a pioneering figure in agriculture, community development and sports with the passing of Antonio “Tony” Zabaneh. Remembered as a driving force behind the banana industry and a respected leader in Independence Village, Zabaneh’s contributions helped shape Southern Belize for decades. Today, his nephew, Minister Louis Zabaneh reflected on his legacy.

 

Louis Zabaneh, Nephew of Deceased

“He was, in a sense, the founder of the banana industry and the only chair of the Banana Growers Association. He committed himself to the growth of that sector. As you know, one of the most important export products from our country over the decades. Besides that, he was also a very strong citrus grower as well and member of the Citrus Growers Association board. And, really one of the bed rock members of Independence Village where he had developed his store with his wife and family, chairman of the village and really has set roots there and served his community very well. He is also very well known in sports, all his Sagitun teams.”

 

A mass was held in Belize City today in honor of Zabaneh. Another will be held in Independence Village on Wednesday.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

Watch the full newscast here: