Trinidad and Tobago to hold state-assisted funeral for Mighty Sparrow
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Key Points(5)
- The Government of Trinidad and Tobago will provide an official state-assisted funeral for calypso icon Dr.
- Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, who died in New York on Sunday at age 91.
- Culture and Community Development Minister Michelle Benjamin made the announcement in the House of Representatives on Wednesday as she paid tribute to Sparrow, who died on Sept.
- 27 surrounded by his family.
- Benjamin said a committee has already been established to work with Sparrow’s family to organise what she described as “a funeral fit for a legend.” “Under the direction of the Prime Minister, an official state-assisted funeral will be held, a date to be fixed,” Benjamin said.
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago will provide an official state-assisted funeral for calypso icon Dr. Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, who died in New York on Sunday at age 91.
Culture and Community Development Minister Michelle Benjamin made the announcement in the House of Representatives on Wednesday as she paid tribute to Sparrow, who died on Sept. 27 surrounded by his family.
Benjamin said a committee has already been established to work with Sparrow’s family to organise what she described as “a funeral fit for a legend.”
“Under the direction of the Prime Minister, an official state-assisted funeral will be held, a date to be fixed,” Benjamin said.
She also announced several other plans to honour Sparrow’s legacy. Calypso History Month, which begins Thursday, will be observed this year in his memory, while the ministry, in collaboration with TUKO, will stage a national tribute.
Books of condolences will also be opened at several locations, including regional corporations, the National Academy for the Performing Arts, the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts, the Shore Park Cultural Complex in Tobago and the ministry’s main office at Tower C of the International Waterfront Complex.
Benjamin described Sparrow’s death as the loss of “one of the greatest cultural figures this country has ever produced.”
“Dr Slinger Francisco O.R.T.T., the Mighty Sparrow, the Calypso King of the World. He was 91,” she said.
She extended condolences to Sparrow’s wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as members of the calypso fraternity and his admirers in Trinidad and Tobago and around the world.
Benjamin also offered condolences to the people of Grenada, where Sparrow was born in Grand Roy on July 9, 1935.
“We grieve with you for a son we have shared for 90 years,” she said.
Sparrow rose from Slinger Francisco to become one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated calypsonians. He won both the Calypso King and Road March titles in 1956 with “Jean and Dinah,” launching a career that would span seven decades.
Throughout his career, Sparrow used calypso to comment on social issues and challenge those in authority.
“He sang the truth when others kept quiet. He stood up to those in power, that he did, and he held up a mirror so ordinary people could see their own lives in his songs,” Benjamin said.
Sparrow composed more than 500 calypsos and recorded more than 70 albums. He won eight Calypso Monarch titles, eight Road March titles and the Calypso King of Kings title twice.
Benjamin said Sparrow’s enduring legacy was ultimately reflected in his connection with the public.
“It was the way a Sparrow song could play and the entire gathering would know the words,” she said.
“That mighty man, the Mighty Sparrow, has taken his final bow. His music and his legacy remains, and it is ours. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
