EMMANUEL Bellas, a well-known former sports administrator, coach, coach educator, Physical Education (PE) teacher, and mentor, received a poignant farewell at a ‘celebration of life’ event on Monday at the Phillip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort.
The air was thick with emotion as the community assembled for a service that went beyond the usual. It was a celebration full of touching tributes and colourful performances, as attendees reflected on the significant impact this Vieux Fort native had on his neighbourhood and the country.
Bellas served with pride, dedication, and a firm commitment to promoting strong community relations and the greater good of all.
Despite his humble demeanour, Emmanuel Bellas was a towering presence in local, regional, and international sports, serving his country with respect and dignity.
From 2014 until 2024, he served as the Immediate Past President of the Vieux Fort South Football League, the Saint Lucia Football Association’s Head of Coaching Education, and the SLFA Vice President. Bellas also made important contributions to the technical unit as a coach teacher and team coach, and he was the Immediate Past President of the Caribbean Football Coaches Association (CARFCA).
SLFA President Lyndon Cooper expressed his sincere admiration for Bellas’ major legacy, saying, “He served with pride and joy, making excellent contributions to the development of sports in our country and to the beautiful game of football.”
Cooper stated sadly, “Bellas was a bright shining star, focused on the growth and development of both boys and girls.” He stated that Bellas’ death has undoubtedly left a significant vacuum, particularly for the hundreds of lives he positively affected.
“While we will profoundly miss Bellas’ unwavering support and dedication, we must celebrate the extensive community outreach he spearheaded and his decisive, no-nonsense approach to making things happen,” Cooper said.
This perfectly matched Cooper’s concept of ‘on the move’ and ‘get it done.’ Cooper’s homage even touched on the spiritual side of Bellas’ life, demonstrating the depth of their friendship.
Theodulous Eristhee, a childhood friend, presented a moving eulogy emphasising that the “true measure of a man is how he chooses to serve” his community and country. Eristhee emphasised the importance of honouring the blessings Bellas bestowed on everyone with whom he engaged, reminding us all of his aim to create a “better world through educating young people via sports,” which Bellas saw as his lifelong calling.
He correctly observed that Bellas accepted eternity with the same humility and grace that he exemplified throughout his life—qualities that continue to inspire those he touched and young people who follow in his footsteps.
Pastor Samuel Philibert, in a moving sermon of Hope and Renewal, compared Bellas to a diligent farmer who sowed excellent seeds, demonstrating the long-term impact of his life on the discipline and devotion fostered in our community’s young.
Philibert reflected on Bellas’ pivotal role in developing Vieux Fort’s Youth and Sports Council, as well as the exhilarating battles that Vieux Fort faced against other city central clubs.
As speakers and supporters recounted their poignant tales, it became evident that Emmanuel “Mano” Bellas was a constant force for good, affecting the lives of many people via his work and teachings. His legacy will inspire future generations to pursue achievement and community service.
Let us honour his memory by carrying on his commitment to empower our young and communities through the transforming power of sports.