In a statement on X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Martínez, describing him as a great friend of Belize and a dedicated champion of Garífuna culture and music.
“Aurelio was a great friend of Belize and a true champion of Garífuna culture and music. As a renowned Garífuna musician, Aurelio was a powerful voice in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Garinagu people,” the statement noted.
Martínez, alongside Belizean music legends Andy Palacio and Paul Nabor, played a crucial role in bringing Garífuna music to the global stage, earning international recognition for its unique rhythms and storytelling traditions.
As was reported, the tragic plane crash occured near the Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport in Roatán.
Martínez, known internationally for his contributions to Honduran music and hits like Pompis con Pompis, played a key role in promoting Garifuna heritage.
Rescue teams saved four individuals, while the remaining victims were believed to be trapped underwater. An investigation was launched to determine the cause of the crash.
Tributes poured in on social media, with fans and colleagues honoring Martínez’s legacy and his role as a global ambassador for Garifuna culture.
If you don’t already know his name, you certainly know his music. Francisco Alcoser Senior, affectionately known as “Pancho,” cemented his place in history as one of Belize’s musical icons. Belizeans everywhere are mourning his passing. Pancho is best known as the founder of the Orange Walk-based Super Furia Band, a beloved group that has entertained generations with its vibrant mix of cumbia, soca, and punta. The sixty-year-old passed away the day after Christmas, following a courageous battle with colon cancer. Now, his family and fans are left to celebrate his remarkable life and continue spreading his passion for music across Belize.
Roxana Anderson
Roxana Anderson, Franciso’s Daughter
“He started the music and the passion for music from before he was even born. Music was always in his bloodstream. I believe his grandparents used to play at the church choirs and etcetera. So that’s how he got really inspired. And then his brother had a bond which he played in and Lucio and the New Generation. And so he ever since he just said, you know what? This is what I want to do for the rest of my life. And from high school. I believe he was in the age of twelve. He started doing music and, that’s how he will always be remembered he always said music is life. He found happiness just seeing his children and family continuing his legacy that he has set a bar like way up high. So it’s it makes us even harder for us to try to keep up to him. But I do think that we had a really good teacher, because I always say that I learned to sing from him and it was hard learning to sing because at that point in time, I’m talking about twenty plus years ago. They had cassette players and to be rewinding and to be practicing a song. So my dad would sing the song for me and then I would have to write the lyrics from what he’s singing to me and learning from him. And I could, and I vividly remember too, with my brothers, he would stay hours and my brothers would be like, but my fingers are hurting, because it does take quite a lot of practice and so forth. But he’s you’re going to love it. You just got to break through and keep going. And he was the biggest and motivator, and he always encouraged new artists. It started in summer and in July and he complained about a back pain and then so they said, the doctor said his kidney stones and then they did further more research and until they found out that he has colon cancer, so he started a couple of treatments in Mexico and anyone that’s going through cancer, they are true warriors because it’s nothing easy. After those treatments, they feel ill and they’re not themselves anymore. But I must say that because my father always put God first, I think that’s what gives him the strength that he needs. So every time after chemo, he’s smiling, he’s still listening to his music.”
Veronica Alcoser
Veronica Alcoser, Francisco’s Daughter-in-law
“For Christmas Day, we were here the day before he dead. We were, speaking to him and we were listening to some cumbia because my mother-in-law, she wanted, okay, say, it’s Christmas, let’s have a little celebration in the living room. And he said, what are you guys listening? I want Belizean music. And all of us were like, okay, put on the Belizean music. Okay. So right there, he was happy. And, I clearly remember that because he was speaking until two hours before his death. He told the guys do not cancel any job if something happens, you’ve got to do your job because you already have a compromise.”
Roxana Anderson
“This Sunday right here in Orange Walk number two Santa Famila Street, we’ll be hosting celebration victory for my dad because he has won a spot there in heaven. So he is a true champ. So it’s gonna be starting this Sunday. We’re inviting all Belizean bands and musicians to come, we’re gonna have a mega stage. Because we gotta do it big. Just the way he wants it.”
You’ve probably seen him with his saxophone, either at DIGI Park or at a live event. Allan “Di Real” McCoy is celebrating nine years of playing the saxophone. His vibrant and outgoing personality makes him stand out, perfectly complementing his passion for music. His journey into music was guided by his parents, who noticed early on that McCoy was different from most kids. They bought him a keyboard when he was just five, and he quickly became fascinated with musical instruments. In his family, learning a trade is a natural part of growing up. Today, Allan “Di Real” McCoy not only serenades beauty pageant contestants, but also gets his hands dirty working on transmissions in his father’s mechanic shop. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
At just thirty years old, Allan McCoy and his well-loved saxophone are a familiar sight, entertaining anyone willing to listen. Whether he’s in public parks, on street corners, or at beauty pageants, Allan sets up his gear wherever he can and often plays for hours on end. His passion for music shines through every note, captivating audiences wherever he goes.
Allan McCoy Jr.
Allan McCoy Jr., Musician
“It all started from I was about small, nine or ten, listening to saxophone music on the radio when I get something to eat and then after this, I said I wanted to learn the saxophone so badly and I didn’t get to touch the saxophone until I was nineteen. At the time when I was enrolled at Gwen Lizarraga High School there was no brass instrument and wind instrument. After I left with a high school diploma, I waited patiently until I got assistance from Mr. Chris Bradshaw, the man from Wesley College.”
From a very young age, McCoy’s parents noticed he was different from the other kids at school. Even as a baby, he stood out with his unique interests and talents. Allan McCoy Senior told us that he bought five-year-old Allan McKoy a musical keyboard that he became fixated with.
Voice of: Allan McCoy Sr.
Voice of: Allan McCoy Sr., Mechanic
“He was different because he was considered a special needs child. He was a bit of a struggle in the beginning, because we didn’t have this situation. What we did we spoke with specialist who advised us that kids like him need, they usually focus their attention on one thing and we need to find out what that was. So, from the age of five or six we bought him his first keyboard and within one month we was playing the keyboard on his own. I went in his room and I asked him to play Barney and because he was into that I said can you play that for me because I wanted to see if you have learnt something and the kid literally started playing the song.”
And playing the saxophone is not Di Real’s only talent. He is also a mechanic employed at his father’s shop. McCoy’s father made sure each of his kids learned a trade. Now, McCoy Jr. pitches in wherever he can, helping out with vehicle transmission repairs.
Allan McCoy Jr.
“I have been involved in this mechanical work for the past thirteen years, and I have been doing transmission. I only deal with transmission as a mechanic, and I work with my dad from Monday to Friday. I am also learning to help my dad rebuilding the transmission. I enjoy it really good because when people have issued with their transmission, I take them to my dad and let him do all the situations there.”
Voice of: Allan McCoy Sr.
“One of the thing I want to stress on is that when he was going to school he was not a smart child in school but he had a thing with him that he said dad I know I am not smart and I have to struggle to keep up, so I will try harder and study harder and that has always been his drive that he knows his situation, limitations, so he pushes himself harder to get things done. He has succeeded in that way of life.”
He does not mind his son skipping work at the mechanic shop from time to time to be present at one of his music gigs. Today, Allan McCoy Jr. is marking a special milestone—nine years of playing the saxophone. He invited us to join in the celebration through this interview, sharing his journey and passion for music.
Allan McCoy Jr.
“My most memorable moment is when I do some live performances for beauty pageants, for example Queen of the Bay, or my favorite Ms. Universe Belize, I enlighten the ladies with a bright smile on their face.”
Voice of: Allan McCoy Sr.
“Just be there for your child. My son is thirty years old and he still lives at home. I have never told him you need to find a place. Sometimes I get upset with him when he gets out. But I tell him listen if you cant respect the home find somewhere else. I have never sat him down and say you need to find your own place. As far as I am concerned they are my children and I will take care of them until I can no more.”
