Trinidad and Tobago bids farewell to the Mighty Sparrow today. A procession and tribute concert will honor him.
Trinidad and Tobago holds its National Farewell and Celebration of Life for calypso legend Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco today, nearly three weeks after he died in New York on Sept. 27 at age 91. The event, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, takes place at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain from 1:30 p.m.
A public procession begins at 10 a.m. at the Treasury Building and moves along Independence Square and Frederick Street to NAPA. Members of the public wishing to join are asked to assemble at the rear of the official cortege and follow marshals’ instructions. A live public viewing will be held at the Grand Stand at Queen’s Park Savannah. Fourteen performers are listed for the tribute, including Machel Montano, Destra Garcia, Superblue, Crazy, Shurwayne Winchester and the late singer’s daughter Karen Francisco.
Mourners paid their respects Wednesday at NAPA, where restrictions meant they could not see Sparrow’s body but could stand at his casket. Kelsey Bobb flew in from New York for the day. Her Guyanese parents raised her on his music, and she said, “There’s no one like Mighty Sparrow.”
The timing has drawn political comment. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles questioned whether the government deliberately scheduled the funeral on the day she leads the Opposition’s response to the national budget, which starts at 9:30 a.m., suggesting Opposition MPs might miss the debate. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar called the criticism inappropriate and insensitive and said Beckles’ response would be finished before the funeral begins. Beckles said the Opposition would be present for the debate.