Trinidad and Tobago to hold national farewell for Mighty Sparrow on Oct. 16

Trinidad and Tobago will hold a state-assisted funeral and celebration of life for legendary calypsonian Mighty Sparrow on Oct. 16, honoring his contribution to the country’s cultural heritage and the development of Caribbean music.

The government announced the arrangements in collaboration with Sparrow’s family, with public viewings scheduled for Oct. 13 and 14 ahead of the national farewell in Port of Spain.

Sparrow, whose given name was Slinger Francisco, was repatriated from New York to Trinidad and Tobago on Oct. 6. His son, Cyril Sancho Francisco, accompanied by Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin and ministry officials, received him at Piarco International Airport.

Members of the public will be able to pay their respects when Sparrow lies in repose at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) on Oct. 13 and the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) on Oct. 14. Both viewings will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to the Ministry of Culture and Community Development.

The Oct. 16 farewell will begin with a procession from Independence Square at 10 a.m. The procession will travel along Frederick Street before concluding at NAPA, where a tribute programme is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The procession will feature three stages: a national farewell at Independence Square, a cultural and public tribute along Frederick Street, and a ceremonial farewell at NAPA.

National schools and representatives of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival and cultural industries are expected to participate. Recordings from Sparrow’s extensive musical catalogue will also feature during the procession.

The tribute programme at NAPA will include performances by steel orchestras, Moko Jumbies, traditional masquerade groups and other cultural performers.

The ministry is also making arrangements for members of the public to watch the celebration at the Grand Stand at the Queen’s Park Savannah, with further details to be announced.

Sparrow’s family has asked members of the public not to take photographs or record videos during the Oct. 13 and 14 viewings.

Meanwhile, condolence books will remain available for signing through Oct. 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at several locations, including the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, NAPA, SAPA, the Shaw Park Complex in Tobago and the head offices of all 14 municipal corporations in Trinidad.

Condolence books are also available at Trinidad and Tobago’s diplomatic missions in New York, Miami, London, Washington and Toronto. A virtual condolence book can be accessed through the ministry’s website.