The Government will accord calypso icon Dr Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco an official state-assisted funeral, with Culture and Community Development Minister Michelle Benjamin also announcing a national tribute and other plans to honour his legacy.
Benjamin made the announcements in the House of Representatives yesterday as she paid tribute to Sparrow, who died in New York on Sunday, at the age of 91, surrounded by his family.
She said a committee had already been constituted to work with Sparrow’s family to ensure he receives “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 that Calypso History Month, which begins today, will be observed this year in Sparrow’s memory.
Her ministry, in collaboration with Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO), will also stage a national tribute, while books of condolences will be opened at several locations, including the 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, International Waterfront Complex.
Benjamin described Sparrow’s death as the loss of “one of the greatest cultural figures this country has ever produced”.
She extended condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the calypso fraternity, the people of Trinidad and Tobago and Sparrow’s admirers around the world.
She also expressed 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,” Benjamin said.
She recalled Sparrow’s rise from Slinger Francisco to one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated calypsonians, noting that he won both the Calypso King and Road March titles in 1956 with Jean and Dinah.
Benjamin said Sparrow also used his music to challenge authority and address issues affecting society.
“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,” she said.
Over a career spanning 70 years, Sparrow composed more than 500 calypsos and recorded more than 70 albums.
He won eight Calypso Monarch titles, eight Road March titles and twice the Calypso King of Kings title.
Benjamin said Sparrow’s greatest honour came from the love of the people.
“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.”
