Former PUP Representative Ivan Ramos Laid to Rest in Dangriga

Current and former government ministers gathered in the Culture Capital on Friday to lay Former PUP Area Representative for Dangriga, Ivan Michael “Maca” Ramos to rest. Ramos passed away on September 19 at the age of 58 in California, USA after being ill for some time and receiving medical treatment. The southern native was elected to represent the Dangriga constituency in the 2012 general elections under the People’s United Party’s banner. Ramos was a staunch supporter of the PUP and spent several years working alongside its leaders. At his funeral, Stann Creek Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson spoke about fond memories he has of Ramos and how the pair worked to uplift the lives of residents from the south. 

Rodwell Ferguson, Area Rep, Stann Creek West: “He was a very courageous guy. But he had his passion for the town of Dangriga. As we travel we always discussed how can we see development come to the south of the country ? Unfortunately in 2013 I decided to bow out of politics for various reasons. We were telling Ivan not to but he said gentlemen I’m leaving and there was a by-election and then somebody else took his place. Before that there was a by-election in San Ignacio and we all went to that by-election. I said man the four team from the south, always together but because you were so consistent the whole party recognize the efforts of what he wanted to accomplish. But every time we go on a journey you don’t have to worry about nothing to eat because Ivan will make sure he brings sandwiches, he’ll make sure he brings burgers, that we have along the way we have something to eat. He was very passionate about his cooking. So every time there is an event Ivan will make sure that he cooks food for all of us. We established a bond that was second to none and as Mike passed away earlier this year and Ivan in September out of the four, Oscar and myself remains. But nobody knows the day and the hour when the lord will call you home. But as we remain, we will remain consistent to work for the development of the entire south. But Ivan was a true gentleman. I first came across him when he first started to work at Scotia Bank in Dangriga. When Ivan goes to work he was always properly dressed, respectable young man. At the age of 58 I think he was still too young to die but when our our calls we have to leave earth. But Ivan on behalf of the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, the House of Representatives and the Government of Belize it was a pleasure working with you as a represented of the Peoples United Party at least for three years.”
 

Delivering Ramos’ eulogy was his long-time friend, Gwen Nunez Gonazlez. The well-known Dangriga resident spoke about Ramos’ friendly demeanor and love for his community.

Dr.Gwen Gonzalez, Friend of Deceased: “Our Maca Man showed that the DNA of his grandfather Thomas Vincent Ramos flowed through his veins because he was for his community. While at Ecumenical High School he joined the search youth organization that empowered young men and women to search for Christian maturity. Many people said we searched for ourselves but that’s another story. That group transformed our lives so much that the passion for community empowerment remained in him forever. He was a member and became one of the leaders as a moderator. At high school he was once our class president and became a very involved member of the student council. We wrapped that campus with energy and forwardness. As a searcher he visited the elderly, helped the less fortunate and contributed to the advancement of this community. His financial constraints did not hinder his dream to graduate and make the community better. That was always his vision. After high school he became a member of the first cohort at Ecumenical Junior College. Later his educational journey took him to Belize City and earned his bachelor’s degree. He started his master’s degree at Galen University but did not finish dealing with politics and sadly too one government gave him a scholarship which he rightly deserved and the next government took it away. Nonetheless that did not stop his passion to educate himself and encourage students to excel.”

Ramos was the grandson of iconic Garifuna activist T. V. Ramos.