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Sylvester's political career spans the history of modern Belize starting in 1952 when he became involved in the nationalist movement with George Price. Under Price, he served in various capacities from 1957 to the 1984 when he was politically undefeated. Sylvester came to be synonymous with his political stronghold in Rural Belize, and on Friday in the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Dean Barrow paid tribute to his common touch:..

Prime Minister Dean Barrow
"He was one of the early politicians who rather than merely serving his people became as one with his people and those particularly in the communities of San Pedro and Caye Caulker will I believe always remember this. So if you would Mr. Speaker I would ask that we stand and show our respect."

The members stood for a moment of silence. The PUP today sent out a statement saying, quote, "Louis was a humble, "people's man", whose contributions to politics and development in Belize will not be forgotten."

Under George Price, Sylvester served variously as Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Public Utilities and Minister of Local Government. He was also chairman of the PUP. After he became disillusioned with that party, he formed his own, with far less success, and late in life joined the UDP. At At the time of his passing, he was the Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation. His funeral will be held at Holy Redeemer Cathedral on Friday, March 14th, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Interment immediately follows at Caye Caulker.