Regional Leaders Pay Tribute to the Mighty Sparrow
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - Caribbean Community (CARICOM) chairman, Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre says the late Grenadian born calypsonian, the Mighty Sparrow gave the Caribbean a “voice that was unmistakably our own” as he paid tribute to the legendary singer who died in New York on Sunday at the age of 91.
The Mighty SparrowPierre, who is also the Prime Minister of St. Lucia, said that the death of the Grenadian born entertainer “is a profound loss for our Caribbean family.
“Sparrow understood our Caribbean people. Through calypso, he captured our struggles and triumphs, challenged our societies, celebrated our culture and gave expression to the experiences of generations of West Indians. His extraordinary gift was his ability to make us laugh, reflect and, sometimes, confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves.
“His life also reminds us of something important about our region: Caribbean greatness has never been confined by borders. Born in Grenada, shaped in Trinidad and Tobago, and embraced throughout our region, Sparrow became part of our collective Caribbean identity,” Pierre said, extending condolences to “his loved ones and all who mourn this Caribbean icon”.
In a separate message, the 15-member regional integration grouping CARICOM described Sparrow as “one of the region’s most acclaimed and accomplished calypsonians.
“Born in Grenada and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, his music tapped into the rhythms and sentiments of the Region, providing insightful and incisive social and political commentary in an artform unique to the Caribbean experience.”
CARICOM said that in a career spanning the Caribbean, Europe and the United States of America, for many decades the Mighty Sparrow entertained, educated and inspired audiences, promoting Caribbean culture in the global arena with lyrical brilliance.
He penned over 500 calypsos, produced upwards of 70 albums, and secured numerous titles, including 10 Calypso Monarch crowns and eight Road March victories.
“For these and other achievements he fittingly received high regional honours, including the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) in 2001, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT) in 2014, and an Honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) from The University of the West Indies in 1987.
“CARICOM extends deepest condolences to his family, the governments and people of Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago, and all in the Caribbean and global community who mourn his passing. May his rich legacy continue to inspire future generations to preserve and promote Caribbean culture to the highest standards.”
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said that for 70 years, the Mighty Sparrow had been woven into Caribbean civilisation.
“Listen to his recordings and you hear our history. Calypso gave the ordinary West Indian a voice. Sparrow carried it to the world with incomparable genius. Born in Grenada and raised in Trinidad, he belonged to all of us.
“Just months after losing our beloved Sir Garry, whose greatness Sparrow celebrated in song, we must now say goodbye to him too. Two extraordinary sons who made this Caribbean stand taller,” Mottley said, adding “Let our children hear him. Let them know that this brilliance came from among us.
“Even now, his words still echo. “Sparrow take over now.” You did, Birdie. You took your place in the heart of a civilisation, and there you will remain. “
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said said Sparrow’s legacy “ will forever live in the hearts of all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
“Sparrow was a true patriot and revered ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago’s culture. Through his music, his wit, and his unmatched contribution to culture, he carried the spirit and stories of our people across the world.”
She said for decades “ Sparrow has been part of the soundtrack of Trinidad and Tobago. His music made us laugh, made us think, and made us proud of who we are,” she said, adding “youer voice will live on forever”.
Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit described Sparrow as “ one of our greatest storytellers, capturing our history, humour and the everyday experiences of our people with an extraordinary, sharp wit.
“His passing is a tremendous loss to our region, but his legacy will live on in the many artistes he inspired and the remarkable body of work he leaves behind. My heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and all who were touched by his music,” Skerrit said.
Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali said Monday Sparrow’s music will endure as they have for decades.
“His compositions – insightful, witty and at times mischievous – became the soundtrack of generations, their lyrics etched with wit, rhythm, and fearless social commentary—mirrors held up to the Caribbean’s character, its contradictions, its unbroken spirit.”
Ali said he brought “recognition to our Caribbean civilization. His melodies and lyrics sailed far beyond the region’s shores,” Ali said.
Sparrow’s family said he died peacefully in New York on Sunday following a brief illness, surrounded by loved ones.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Trinidad and Tobago’s Calypso icon, Slinger Francisco, known to the world as ‘The Mighty Sparrow’,” the family said in a statement.
Sparrow, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Caribbean music, enjoyed a career spanning more than seven decades and became internationally known for his distinctive voice, sharp wit and social and political commentary.
