Who was Keino Quallo? Many people see a black unshaven face and a headline. “Four Gangbangers brutally murdered”. He matches what people think a “gang” banger looks like. They have no idea of who he is or where he came from, what led him down his path. All people know and feel is that they are stricken by fear because of violence. Any solution, even state-sanctioned murder, is an acceptable solution. The thinking is, he was a menace to society – so who cares, he probably have killed many more people and getting his just desserts.
Not so fast…
I met Keino in High School. I must have been about 14 years old, my second year in High School and he was one year ahead. Keino arrived in Belmopan with such notoriety. He was arrested in the U.S. for drug trafficking at the age of 15 years old. His father was a well-known attorney, Glenford Quallo, was recently murdered.
Keino popularity grew fast at Belmopan Comprehensive School. He was charming, articulate, athletic, tall, and very intelligent. He was a snappy dresser and carried himself with a lot of confidence, therefore the women flocked him. We became friends because my best friend was dating his friend at the time.
I found him very interesting. His experiences and world -view and his perspective on different issues. He was, if I recall, a die-hard PUP supporter and in my mix of friends we had both die- hard PUP and UDP supporters. Our discussions would range from politics to law to life. My God we were only 15 at the time! We also shared sports in common. We both played basketball and played on the school teams so we travelled all over Belize playing sports.
About a year into our friendship, we started dating. He was a generous and extremely loving boyfriend and my parents would have none of it. He gave me gifts that I had to return a day after it was given. My mom was concerned about his reputation and well my dad probably would not have approved even if Jesus were the suitor. In Belize, there really are no rooms for mistakes or second chances. I would fiercely defend him to my mom because I knew him far more than the reputation that followed him.
We became very close when my mother got sick. He was truly my rock during that very difficult time in my life. We would study together, have future plans and we trusted each other.
Maybe my mother’s death signaled a change in our relationship. Maybe death had him reflecting on the death of his father and changed him. He reflected often in his life. If wishes could come true, his father would still have been around.
At this time we were both a SJC 6th form. I remember passing all my CXCs and he thought that I always seem to have successes and he seems to be marred with failure. I was too young to understand how much of a deep thinker he was. His observation not a jealous thought, but he felt that society would not think he was somewhat good enough…eventually; I began to see changes in him. He drew back. He did not want to ruin my future he claimed. He began showing signs of depression and he decided he would push me away, flaunted other girls until we eventually broke up. Depression is quite common in young men at this age I have learned.
We kept our distance from each other. We both moved on with life, and then one day I heard he was shot based on an argument he had with someone. I called his mom and Keino and I reconnected as friends only. Did he go back and shoot that person. NO HE DID NOT. Isn’t that what a gang banger would do?
Keino grew up on George Street. He made friends with many of the young men of that area. He became a youth officer because he recognized the neglect in opportunities afforded to them. He reached out to many people who today are probably calling for the death of these young men because they thought they thought he was wasting his time. He was empathetic; he was a loving person and may have been the least materialistic person I know.
In 2001, I moved from Belize to pursue my studies in the U.S. I would call him on his birthday each year or call him when I visited Belize just to see what he was up to. I didn’t call him for the past two years and thought about it. I thought, I should never ignore a birthday because what if it was his last, an unfortunate prediction on my part.
I began hearing disturbing reports from friends and family members that he was having mental issues. I recall he had a confrontation with his stepfather, however when I called him and asked him about it, he seemed quite lucid to me and his perspective made sense. He said, people have determined he has a mental problem so whatever he says or does, he is not taken seriously and they have already determined he is mental. . He spent the time during our conversation reflecting quite a bit. I tried to tell him, he has to look forward and stop focusing so much on a past he cannot change. I felt like the past was in his head stuck on replay.
The last time I spoke to him, it was a very good conversation and it was mostly him reminiscing about high school.
About two years ago, I heard he got arrested for weed and I tried to reach out to him but could not find him. I think he knew I would be giving one of my famous lecture speeches and probably was not up to hearing it. He did tell my family and friends to tell me hello each and every time he saw them, except on Saturday before he died. My brother and another friend both described him as walking around totally out of it and walking around barefooted. Not the image of the gang-banger I imagine.
Keino was not an angel, he paid the price and was repeatedly judged from one big mistake he made as a youth. He experienced a tragic event that unraveled his life. He lost the male figure to direct his path. He got lost.
Belize is a country of no second chances. It almost seems that your fate is sealed if you make a mistake to be forever identified by such a mistake until you become the exact person everyone says you are.
So here I am standing up once again for my friend. I know he would never take another life just knowing the pain he went through when his father’s life was taken. I know he would defend me if the tables were turned. He was a kind, empathetic soul who got lost in mental illness and poor choices of friends.
Unfortunately, to many he is merely a black face who looks like a gangbanger, so who cares he has a teenage daughter reading their hurtful comments. Who cares he has family and friends that love him; who cares that no one has presented any proof he was involved in gang activities, who cares that many of our lost young men work for the same people you would deem respectable?
We in Belize have become a society so gripped in fear of the monsters we help create that we are willing to sign away our liberties, we celebrate rumors of police involvement to eradicate these monsters, gang-bangers, in our short sighted approach to a solution, failing to realize we are creating bigger, more dangerous and more power monsters.
Rest in Peace my friend, God is your only judge and God sees and knows all. Your heart is pure; your spirit left us long before your body did and now sleep with no more pain.
Twocanview LLC 
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Aria, I went home for Keino’s memorial and I read your write up for the first time that morning before the memorial (I have since read it about 5 times) and I must tell you that it gave me strengthen and calmness at a very rough time. The memorial was peaceful and appropriate, it was held on a boat filled with people, all ages, that new and loved Keino. I will miss our geo political, local politics, music both Hip Hop and Reggae talks. Although Keino was a hard core PUP he gave PUP as much heat sometimes, he got that from his father. I remember being in front of St. Mary’s School with him waiting for election results and he was dressed in his blue guayabera pacing waiting anxiously for the results at the time he was no more than 13 years or so old. We shared, many laughs, tears and dissapointments. I remember how strong he was at his father’s funeral, he had to be at that time. He went back to the states after the funeral to deal with his issues, this is at the age of 15. I believe that Keino became a man on that day, imagine that at 15 loosing your father and having to return to a cold, cold place. In Florida whenever possible he would come spend time, after he returned to Belize I also moved back to Belize and we continued our friendship. Over the years the road of life added miles between us but we remained good friends. Always making an effort to find out what was going on in each other’s life. At his memorial his mother was able to tell me everything that was going on in my life kids etc… because Keino told her. He was a friend that cared about the little and the big things.
I will miss my good friend, RIP Keino.
Adrian Cain–I have been trying to contact you regarding Keino. Can you send your e-mail address to me? Michael Rosberg michael.rosberg@gmail.com
I passed the message unto Adrian Cain.
As i read Aria article on Keino it brought tears to my eyes. Im so happy you wrote that article and i know its probably so hard loosing your dear friend. Keino and I went to high school together as well and after graduation, i never saw him again eventhough he have a daughter with my cousin Verla Henry. My heart goes out to his mom and especially his daughter Keiana Quallo. RIP
Aria girl…thanks for your beautiful insights on my friend Keino because it seems that both you and I know that exact person that you so eloquently protrayed in your heartfelt article above. I have always have respect for Keino because I was blessed to have gotten to know that intelligent, charming part of him that I will never forget. We met at SJC Sixth Form and W was taken by his very impressive vocal personality always standing up for what he believed in. I even remember many days me and my friends walking home from school with him and just listening to him talk all the way home not even realizing we were there and still continued chattting while we stood at the corner of the street. I also had the privelege of working with him a the Youth Department when he was a Youth Officer. He loved his job and what he did for young people and at-risk youth. I was there many days when he seemed depressed, but I never judged him as knowing him over time, I know he was dealing with a lot in his life. Its so funny, that over the years no matter how long I didn’t see him, when I saw him, no matter how he was dressed or how long he grew his beard or whether he had on shoes or not, we always greeted each other with a hug and have the best conversation ever and he would always tell me how good I look and what was I doing to myself becuase I don’t seem to be ageing. The last time I saw him was in October 2012, when he came to my desk at my office on Coney Drive and we just reconnected on all the times when we were in school, about our friends and when we worked at the Youth Department. I was so saddened when I heard he was killed, my heart sank; sank even more when he was called a “gang banger”. That word saddened my heart even more because that wasn’t the Keino that I knew all those years. My heart goes out to Ms. Jewel and Mr. Rosberg and the rest the family on the loss of their beloved Keino. You will surely be missed bro.
Marsha
rip keino my fren
Thank you Aria, Keino spoke of you and how much he Love you. He was friends with my brother Mike and he just fell into our family,my mom love him, he was so quite and smart and just a loving gentle person, my mom always told him he was going to be something great. My mom passed away August 2012. The weeks following, we talked about everything and when he got arrested and no one came to get him out and he was feeling so bad to tears and who came to bail him out, mama Sadie, of course he had to listen to all her lectures till they get home. We spend the whole three weeks after my mom passed, i have a hole in my heart because we were from different mom and dad but we Love each other like we were. I thank GOD that i was able to spend that three weeks with him. He was concern about were he was living and he wanted to move because the police bothered him alot at that resident but he would go to my mom house during the day just to get away from that situation. My mom would make birthday cake for him every year and he would make sure he come get it or he will not hear the last of it. He really wanted to go back in time and change the past but especially with his dad, he Love his mom and respected her so much and how well she treated his daughter, his daughter was all for him, he was yearning to see her and talked about how proud he was of her and how smart she was. Keino was not a drug dealer, he was type cast because of he company he kept and where he lived and wanted to move from there. Mental desease is not a choice and he faught hard but he is in a better place with no judgement and all the unconditional he deserves.. Till we meet again my sweet Keino, LOVE YOU. MAY YOU HEART BE FILLED WITH GODS LOVE AND YOUR MIND BE FREE. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO MRS JEWEL QUALLO AND YOUR FAMILY, MAY THE SWEET MEMORIES OF YOU BEATIFUL SON TAKE YOU THROUGH THIS ROUGH TIME.
My deepest condolences. I remember Ms Sadie very well and spent quite some time at her home. She was the warmest most giving person and Keino did see her as a second mother. May both their souls rest in peace.
Thanks you so much for writing this for everyone to see. Working as a youth Officer with him, he use to say mak, everybody deserve a second chance and we can’t give up our our young people. My condolences to his family. Keino was truly a great friend to me. R.I.P
Still cant believe he has gone. But God has better plans and a much nicer place for him now and i know is in good hands now and Aria thats and everything you said is true about his persona. I worked with him at Youth for the Future and were friends ever since even when people taught he lost it you only had to take the time to know that was not the case. I hope with this now people will see the Keino i know cause the thug keino left him long before his untimely death. RIP bro gone but never forgotten
You nail it on the head about Keino, I will remember him just the way I knew he was, he was so driven and intellegent. He was an amazing friend , never gang affiliated. Wonderful guy, hope his soul finds peace and contentment. RIP buddy
Cool Guy, he respected me a lot, while I was living on prince Street, and he would to everyone if they could only watch him straight in the eyes and talk to him smooth, and constructive.
Aria–I am Keino’s stepdaddy. I’ve read your article. I’m in Belize presently and at Keino’s Aunty’s–Joy Patten Ysaguirre. Her phone number is 6**_**** You understand Keino. You are to be praised for setting the record straight.
It doesn’t matter, but you were slightly wrong about Keino and me. There was no falling out. Whenever Keino was unwell, he’d turn on me. It became dangerous and I kept away. There was never a loss of love–I pray God he never thought so, and from his Mommy–my wife, Jewel–I don’t understand that this was the case. Indeed, I continued to care and pray for him–though from a distance.
Yesterday, we went to sea for a private ceremony of thanksgiving for his life. We scattered his ashes and, sun came out, and a porpoise leapt from the sea. What started in grief became a celebration of the purest soul I ever knew and a child I love and will always love as violently as my other two.
I’m going to attach my words in honour of my son from the ceremony–it was one of about 10 and each identified those qualities you mentioned in your article. If you wish to copy any or all of my words into your Facebook communication, I give you permission and my blessing–it’s just below. I’d be glad for people to hear from more of us who knew, loved, and honoured Keino.
All my best wishes,
Michael Rosberg (Mr. Mike–Keino’s name for me)
THE LIFE OF KEINO MALCOLM QUALLO
By his stepfather, Michael Rosberg
Friday, January 11, 2013
Keino Malcolm Quallo was the beloved son of Glenford Allen Quallo and his wife, Jewel Pearl Ruth Patten Quallo of Belize City. He was born on 7 October, 1972 and named by his father. Keino is the name of the famous barefoot Kenyan marathon Olympic champion, Kipchoge Keino. Glen represented Belize in the marathon race at the 19__ Commonwealth Games held in Winnipeg, Canada. In his new running shoes, he was soundly beaten by the barefoot Kipchoge Keino and so impressed by this relentless African athlete’s stamina that he publically vowed to him that he would name his firstborn son in his honour. And so he did.
Glen also gave ¬Keino his middle name, Malcolm, in honour of Malcolm X, the defiant, Black Power force who hastened the end of the segregation era in the United States with his incisive brilliance and willingness to tell truth to power—even though it cost him his life.
Thus, Keino Malcolm Quallo was deliberately given the name of Black, relentless and defiant heroes from either side of the Atlantic—one who represented physical prowess, and the other, the moral fibre of his people. So long as his health permitted, he bore his heritage with strength, intelligence, physical grace, empathy, and nobility.
Keino Malcolm was brilliant—perhaps a true genius. As a child of six, he would listen to the soap operas for his mother whenever she had to attend public meetings. She reports her astonishment to hear him recount the tangled soap opera story lines with clarity, and then to do analyses of the principle characters’ motivation. He not only knew what was happening; but also understood human motivation. In manhood, Keino had an astonishing ability to dissect Belizean politics objectively—to look fairly at the strengths and weaknesses of political parties and of politicized individuals. One of his most chilling predictions was that Belize would someday match the violence occurring in Jamaica in the 1970s and 80s until the city of Belize would eventually be drowned in blood. Who would have dreamt that by 2013, that bloody violence would drown him too?
Keino attended Anglican Primary, and Belmopan Comprehensive and a number of other schools. His performance was only outstanding when he had a teacher able to appreciate and provide space for his original turn of mind, his ability to challenge stupidity and illogic, and his need to speak too much truth. And he was a terror in the classroom of any teacher limited to hand-me-down ‘truths’ and narrow opinions. Both the Keino stamina, and the Malcolm defiance became hallmarks of his complex relationship with the world.
Keino’s bravery was evident on the basketball court where his illuminated understanding of the game, his beautiful athletic form, and his team spirit contributed greatly. And that same bravery was put to the service of the Department of Human Development when he served the population of some of Belize City’s most troubled neighbourhoods. He knew the streets, and he also knew the tough youth battling for dignity and respect who inhabited them. When the threat of war swelled up between the gangs of kids in these neighbourhoods, Keino Malcolm was one of those heroic souls who went to them and used his powerful ability, and his gift for tough love, to convince them until the violence was often avoided.
He pushed and cajoled the Department to offer youth the jobs and the skills training programmes he felt they deserved as Belize’s neglected children and as Belize’s future—one he predicted would be bloody without more attention, more love, and more investment by the adult population. He was never satisfied with the tepid responses he received, and frequently stung on behalf of the young people for whom he laboured. He clearly saw that the violence was relentlessly growing, and that the response was so inadequate that his efforts—and those of a few other street heroes like him—were being jeopardized for lack of back-up from the State.
Keino had only one child—Keiana Allana Quallo. Her mother is Verla Henry. Keiana was his dearest possession and he often said she gave him the courage to live. She was everything to him and is a gracious, bright and loving daughter in the last year of high school in Forest Hills, Queens New York.
Keino Malcolm had personal devils with which to contend in the form of a disease that became apparent in his late teens and that gradually worsened, eventually leaving him without the ability to work. In the worst of these recurring episodes, he would gravitate into tough neighbourhoods and keep the company of some of their toughest youth. Eventually, the growing personal trials and the mounting violence of Belize collided. His struggle to live like a dignified man ended suddenly, violently and bloodily.
Keino, as a child, once attended a concert. His mother reports that he gave his seat to another little boy who had none, and then spent the rest of the evening seatless and on the floor. That was typical of Keino Malcolm. He cared for those with less, he gave everything he had. His own world became increasingly tangled and ended prematurely and horribly. But notwithstanding the complexity of his short life—Keino Malcolm still lived up to the glorious name he was given by his father. He was brave and relentless—always meaning to see good come to others and doing everything he could to make it happen.
Keino Malcolm should be an inspiration to those of us from whom he was torn. What he wanted to see improve has not yet been sufficiently improved. We owe it to ourselves to love Belize and Belizean people as profoundly and honestly as he did. And we owe it to him to elevate our lives and efforts to make Belize the Pearl it should be. If we make this effort, we will never lose Keino Malcolm Quallo—because some of the best of his noble, complex self will be borne by each of us. Today, we scatter his beloved ashes on the sea—the open world he so loved. But those are just his physical remains. We who saw the beauty of his soul have the ability to keep his spirit alive and carry it with us.
Thank you for your contribution. You truly captured who he was to me and to many who loved him.
Surely needs to posted in the Newspaper so every Belizean can know who he really was. We need more friends like you Aria. A friend in need is a friend indeed. My condolences to you and the family. Rest in Peace Keino.
Beautiful Aria, he will sure be missed by us all. RIP Keino.
Very insightful and touching eulogy. Knew Keino as a very young boy. Was good friends with his dad, Glen. What a very sad ending. May both their souls rest in eternal peace.
I knew Keino and his father well. His dad was well educated and an eloquent man.He had his struggles as a young man but overcame them.He beat the naysayers and those who judge others by the mistakes he made in life. Let me say this if God was to judge us by our sins committed ……Who would stand?????? I remember Keino as a young man playing basketball through Simmons Alley off Albert Street. He had a pleasant and kind demeanor. He had a contagious smile. He was helpful.Very intelligent. A mild mannered kid who loved to laugh.Belize has drastically changed since those days. Belize is now a place of high tensions and reckless violence. I only have memories of the Belize of yesteryear. I would never have imagined that so many people that I knew would be wiped out in such senseless and random acts of violence. Robberies, Mistaken identities, Guilty by association etc. The beautiful Belize that I grew up knowing is a place of the past. I remember when his father was murdered because of being true to his profession. It was a tragic and sad time for Keino. He was never the same. I believe this was the start of his decline. It was like his heart was ripped out of his chest. His depression probably started then. I came to the United States in 1984. I sporadically kept contact with him. But eventually we lost contact with each other. I can only speak of the Keino I knew in his younger years. I can also say that when a father is taken from a young son. It is devastating!!This is indeed a tragic situation. Looking at his photo I still perceive the pleasant young man of yesteryear. This is how I will remember him. He was in so much pain. Aria I don’t know you but I thank you for this insight into his life. I feel in some way that we have become so insensitive, nonchalant and indifferent as a society that we fail to see the struggles and the silent cry for help from those who are ostracized for their mistakes in life. We all make mistakes. All, have sinned and come short of the Glory of God. He commanded us to love and care for each other before he ascended into Heaven after his resurrection. So far we still continue to fall short!!!!My prayer is that he knew Christ as Lord and Savior. Rest in Peace Keino. I will miss you.
Can’t stop the tears coming down my eyes. Sadden by the untimely death of my special friend, mentor, brother. Keino Quallo. It seem like only yesterday we were hanging out on George & Dean Street back in dah hood running from the police. Going to miss you bro. I’ll see you again when you open the gates of heaven for me. Jah over all
Outstanding reflection Aria… You have done Keino justice. My prayers and thoughts are with his family and my goddaughter, who at this time are finding it difficult to carry this burden.
……great job in giving us this personal insight into the life of Keino. I am sure he is most grateful.
RIP Keino
This is a well written piece of whom Keino really is. I had the opportunity of meeting him during his life on earth on many occassions. He always had the desire of continuing his education in many areas, especially in youth programmes. He was a young man who was hungry for knowledge, very intelligent and always trying do something to help others. He was full of energy and always trying to pursue his dreams. I personally cannot imagine him to be a member of a gang.
Aria thanks for writing this tribute. Those years in Belmopan Keino lived with us and was a loving big brother to me. My parents were instrumental in giving Keino the second chance that he needed. He flourished in Belmopan and was indeed well loved. But like you said mental illness and wrong choice in friends later on in life led to his demise. He death is painful for our family but now he is in a better place. Thanks for writing this tribute!
My darling Aria,i am truly blessed to have had the priviledge to have been both of your friends…i have tried to develop the strength to write a piece on my brother’s life but have not been able to find it…thank God you have the inner power to have written this piece to show the world who Keino really was…i have been at it constantly trying to show the real him and to eliminate the thought that he was ever a “Gang-banger’ ;Keino wouldn’t hurt a fly…i remember that both of you at separate intervals in my life gave me positive advice,encouraged me to read,well let’s say you both brought me back on track…Even though you were both at a tender age, you both seemed to have known the exact path that you wanted to go down;you both encoraged anyone in whom you saw potential…and for doing stuff like this,you must have a heart…I have known Keino since we were babies about around age 4 through his aunt who used to be one of our very good family friends…and his father who was also a family friend…we used to play all day everyday…we used to laugh everytime we reminisce about the time we knocked down our neighbours wasp nest and the wasp got him good,swollen lips,eyes,you name it…and the howling he put down that day,lol…i am in tears as i read this mirrored review of the life of Keino Quallo…this is the Keino i know and love and this is the Keino i want the world to see…thanks a million sis…i agree that this piece should be posted in the newspaper as suggested by an anonymous individual…good luck in all your future endeavours Aria & may your soul truly Rest In Peace Keino (1973-2013)
Judge not lest ye be judged. I loved them both, Keino and his dad. Huge loss. My tears are not enough. Thank you Aria!
At this current time this was very hard for me to read. But i am so happy i did, this explain Keino straight to the T, my cousin was a great man, and just like my uncle Glen taking way to soon. But no more hurt for him, i know he is in a better place. No one deserves to die the way he did, esp when he wasn’t a gang member. I believe wrong place, wrong time. He was clean up an doing better a couple of weeks ago. Thanks for writing this so people can see, an remember how sweet and nice he was. He would give you his last, i am deff going to miss him beyond words. I pray now for my father who isnt taking this well, as we for his mother, daughter, and the rest of his family, an friends at this time an the coming days.
Yes, Thank you Aria for the positive comments and depiction for others to know about my cousin. Its sad and tragic for his Mother, Daughter, Aunts, Uncles, cousins and his Grandmother.I would also like to thank his step father for thr insight on how his name was chosen. So sad to jave his life taken so sudden and horrific.
Very touching and accurate description of Keino’s character and personality. I also knew him to be funny and very intelligent. It’s sad he fell into depression and wasn’t able to shake it. RIP my friend, RIP.
He was just the Greatest man. RIP my Love<3
this was a sad day and so touching reading your tribute about keino quallo you are an amazing lady but society has a way of saying show me your friend and i will tell you who you are and i know that’s not a true saying mental illiness is so common especially in our young men and mostly never gets treated you have a lot of love and respect for your friend and i can tell you are a wonderful educated women god bless you.
Very touching and outstanding tribute. May Keino rest in Heavenly Peace. We continue to pray for peace and justice. Tears ran through my face as I and family read through the tributes. Let Our Savior and Lord be the Judge.
Aria, excellent testimony of Keino’s life, personality, and character. While we weren’t as close, I knew him to be funny and very intelligent also. Sad he went into depression and wasn’t able to shake it. RIP my friend, RIP.
this was a sad day and so touching reading your tribute about keino quallo you are an amazing lady but society has a way of saying show me your friend and i will tell you who you are and i know that’s not a true saying mental illiness is so common especially in our young men and mostly never gets treated you have a lot of love and respect for your friend and i can tell you are a wonderful educated women god bless you.
Auria, lovely more of us should have freinds like you. Thank you.
Lovely piece on a dear friend. If we would only remember to treat others as we would like to be treated. Let’s address the stigma of mental health.
Dear Aria,
Thank you so very much for writing and sharing this article about Keino. It was emotionally overwhelming. I am totally elated that you stepped forward and penned your friendship with him, thereby reminding us of the person we all knew and loved. Like his father, Glen, Keino was a gentle, kind & humble individual. He would give the shirt off his back or the food off his plate, if approached with a hard luck story or request for a handout. He was confident & charming, with a warm smile that could win over the coldest heart. Like his father, he was taken from us, tragically, too soon. I will always fondly treasure my memories of the times we spent together. My heart goes out to his mother, daughter & family. R.I.P. Keino! You are loved!
Very touching indeed. May he Rest in Peace. Guess it is closer when you realize he was the son of a personal friend, Glendford.
This is so nice of u to actually flip the coin and show others that people are not always what meets the eye! we need to as a people stop labling others even more so without proof!!!!!!
dame another brother gone
R.I.P Keino, knew you from childhood, always remember when you and your dad use to come around…God have bless you both. Great Tribute to a positive humble individual!
My good buddy…rip
I never knew your friend Keino, such a beautiful tribute to him my eyes has tears running yet I’m not sad I feel i miss an oppurtunity to meet a wonderful person yes he is resting and is at peace, God bless you and thank you for kindly sharing such honest and beautiful thoughts and memory…we all should have a friend like you…God bless
May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory. Amen
Aria, thanks for showing us who this young man really is; very touching. So sad 😦
I could always remember when we traveled to Cuba together… Keino was a very positive and enlightening person that always shared something educational.. I will always remember him as that person and only that person.. despite what people may say or think…
;-( this was wonderful. I never k new who he was at all but, i think i saw him around the city…matters a damn what the word around is. He seemed like a wonderful person R.I.P
pleasant read, very touching tribute to your friend, may he R.I.P.
Keno and I grew up together on George st. About one house down from each other,I came to the .u.s for sometime now whenever I call my fren house keno would be there we would talk on phone until am tired falling asleep the last time I saw him is when I visited Belize in October 2011 when I saw him I gave him a big brotherly hug its like yesterday God had call you home my brother may you rest in peace until we meet again.
That was heart wrenching to read I cannot begin to imagine how difficult it must have been to write such a loving and insightful depiction of who Keino really was from within and not just on the surface. Terrible things and experiences sealed his destiny because He was a fragile flower that did not have the proper nutrients to grow or enough sunlight to blossom and flourish. You truly were a great friend to him and I pray that his death will not be in vain and that it will open the eyes of our fellow Belizeans to make some drastic changes in our approach to how precious a human life is. Judge not lest ye too be judged!
A very moving piece. I always say, no matter who we are, sombadi luv wi.
Beautiful story, I will never forget Keino. He’s the reason I’m actually furthering my education…he was always encouraging youths to go as far as they could in school. He was a part of my family. Everyone accepted him in any state he was in because we all knew the love he had in his heart for us. He never once hurt anyone, Keino was always there to lend a listening ear and willing to help in as much way he can. He had a heart of GOLD for everyone he came in contact with…May God Bless Your Soul Keino, sleep in Peace!
I am sure Keino is smiling right now. Not everyone is lucky and bless to share a friendship like u too did. Thanks lrtting people know who he really was. I remember growing up with Ella as a big sister and u guys ad great role models. Take care n my deepest sympathy on the lost of ur great friend.
MY tears rolling as I read this,As I knew that same kind loving 16yr old Keino Quello…
touching….a honest and insightful tribute. Everyone is someone’s loved one, every life has a story…
This was a great tribute to Keino…as a dear friend of his mother I am sure she will appreciate it as well. It will warm her heart during this very sad journey and I thank you for being so respectful because all life is so very precious….this has all been so heart breaking.
APIDTA: Very real, truthful and personal words. Thank you sister Aria. I know Keino was no gang member. May his soul rest in peace. God is not asleep.
Thats the Keino[Kano] I knew. The one who last week saw me with my 4yr old girl and DIRECTED me to hold her hands while walking on the street. I laughed and asked him if he needed anything he gave me that smirk of a smile he had and said Enjoy mi holidays. and walked off toward marvas restaurant.
Ill miss bumping into him I REALLY WILL………..
Very touching and true, my sweet cuz Keino. Thanks for posting
A very touching piece Aria! I knew his dad well and from your description, he was a lot like his dad. I also know his aunt who mentioned him to me a few times. No one I spoke to identified him as a gang member. In fact, he was described to me by many just the way you described him. I have been telling people for a long time that mental illness is common among our youths. This sickness, which is very treatable, cause some to be very erratic but most are harmless. They need treatment but I don’t think that we are doing anything to seriously address this problem. I pray that he is in a better place. May he rest in peace.
This is an absolutely beautiful and insightful piece of writing.
Awesome essay – needs to be posted in a Belize newspaper
Wow, how touching and so personal, I can feel your pain knowing you lost a dear friend, who should have been dealt a better hand, unfortunately he lost his rock at a very young age, his father. I knew Glen, his father, we were also class mates at St Ignatius School, he was a strong person physically and emotionally, he also had a dynamic personality,I was so proud of him when I found out he became a prominent attorney so I can understand where you are coming from, I also need to extend my deepest and sincere condolences to you because you are also hurting…!!!
In Tears Aria – A beautiful tribute to your friend. R.I.P. Keino Quallo.
This is so touching. thanks for writing about this kind soul. May he RIP.
Keino had enormous potential. I am sorry to hear of his untimely death and also the life experiences that influenced his eventual path. Based on what you wrote, it is clear that you truly knew him.
May he rest in peace.
What could have been, for him and so many others. Sad.
Aria, what a beautiful elegy. Your love and respect for Keino’s humanity shines through. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Aria Mr. Michael Roseberg, many years has pass since seeing my cousin Keino, my memories of him is early on in Belize and in New York. My cousin was funny and love to laugh and tell jokes. You both cleared up a lot on our love one. Thank you so much hearing the news and reading the newspaper seeing my cousin name hit hard and I was devastated on many levels. My heart goes out to his mom and our family love keino very much. He is and will always be in my memories. You shared wonderful and the great view on this young man and my uncle. You thaught me things about my family I did not know. My deepest sympathy to his mom and all family and friends who knew my cousin and loved him.
Thank you Aria Mr. Michael Roseberg, many years has pass since seeing my cousin Keino, my memories of him is early on in Belize and in New York. My cousin was funny and love to laugh and tell jokes. You both cleared up a lot on our love one. Thank you so much hearing the news and reading the newspaper seeing my cousin name hit hard and I was devastated on many levels. My heart goes out to his mom and our family love keino very much. He is and will always be in my memories. You shared wonderful and the great view on this young man and my uncle. You thaught me things about my family I did not know. My deepest sympathy to his mom and all family and friends who knew my cousin and loved him.