On the morning of August 8, 2026, Belize marked the passing of one of its most enduring and beloved residents: Gilbert Winston Ellis, universally known to the community as “Mr Bertie”, who died at the age of 109, just over one month shy of his 110th birthday. His death came after several weeks of ongoing health complications, closing out a life that spanned more than a century of change across the Central American nation.\n\nIn his final days, Mr Bertie received care at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, Belize’s main public medical facility. Before his passing, clinical teams discharged him so he could spend his last hours surrounded by loved ones at home, a wish granted by both medical staff and his family.\n\nJust 11 months prior, on September 24, 2025, the entire nation joined Mr Bertie to celebrate his 109th birthday, a milestone that drew widespread attention across Belize for his remarkable longevity and gentle wisdom. When asked to share his life advice for fellow Belizeans during the celebrations, he offered a simple but profound message: “Be good… very good.”\n\nMr Bertie’s legacy extends far beyond his record-breaking lifespan. His family grew across five generations, with 19 biological children and hundreds of descendants that make up a sprawling, close-knit Belizean family. He drew strength from this large network in his later years, and was surrounded by members of his family when he passed.\n\nAs the longest-living person in Belize’s recorded history, Mr Bertie’s life represented a living link to generations of Belizean history that have shaped the modern nation. His passing brings an extraordinary chapter of Belizean life to a close, leaving behind a legacy of quiet wisdom and intergenerational connection that will be remembered across the country.