It is a distinct honor and pleasure for Ambergris Today, the news media with a positive attitude, to announce the 2011 Person of The Year, Mr. Felix Ayuso Jr. Ambergris Today’s profile of a winner is one who most influences the news in a positive manner and touches the lives of residents in San Pedro in a significant manner.
Felix Ayuso embodies all the qualities one would hope for in a friend, businessman, citizen and community activist. Let us meet the 2011 awardee who follows the honors bestowed in past years to distinguished personalities like The Morning Show Crew at Reef Radio, Ramon Nuñez, Milo Paz, Elito Arceo, Angel Nuñez, Gach Guerrero, Melanie Paz, and Jan Brown.
Felix Ayuso’s involvement as a leader commenced way back in his high school days when he led his classmates as an outstanding president and where he was influential as a fund raiser who enthusiastically planned class projects and events. Colleagues and past teachers remember him as a frank and outspoken young man, who spoke his mind, boldly defended his beliefs, embraced others’ ideas, and led with integrity.
Life after graduating from San Pedro High School took Felix through a few careers that included conducting a taxi and helping his family run a taxi service, waiting and hosting at Mickey’s Place Restaurant, working as a journalist, operating his own hairdressing salon to present day where he works as the Mayors Assistant at the San Pedro Town Council.
Throughout his professional career Felix has always been an active member of the community and becoming involved with social aspects in and around San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. But it has not been until his late career that we have seen Mr. Ayuso flourish and become an even more prominent activist in our community.
Today Felix holds the banner of pageant organizer for Miss San Pedro Pageant, and events coordinator for Mother’s Day, Dia de San Pedro and Independence Day Parade which fall under his work at the San Pedro Town Council. He is a member of the San Pedro Lions Club and participates in many fundraising and giving events through the club. Most importantly, Felix is the Chairman of the San Pedro AIDS Commission; a non-profit organization that the community has seen grow under his leadership.
Under his belt, the San Pedro AIDS Commission has led a very successful campaign in creating awareness and educating the community about the human race’s plight against HIV and AIDS. It’s a taboo subject, but through the hard work of Felix and his fellow AIDS Commission voluntary members, the organization has assisted HIV patients with vitamins and medication, led happy toy drives, distributed information on fliers, murals and through participation in events such like the Holiday Boat Parade, Block Parties, public service announcements on radio and television.
Through his involvement with the AIDS Commission on the island, the National AIDS Commission of Belize appointed Felix Ayuso to represent the central region of the country in community based groups, including regional meets in El Salvador.
Who does not enjoy Felix’s participation in the Carnaval Comparsas? He is one of the leading islanders who works hard at keeping the old tradition alive. And who doesn’t enjoy his company at social events? He is full of life, personality and a true Sanpedrano soul.
It is because of his hard work, dedication and perseverance in community-minded activities and his leadership role in the San Pedro AIDS Commission that Ambergris Today is honored in presented its Person of the Year 2011 recognition to Mr. Felix Ayuso.
