(CMC) – Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell says the late Trinidad and Tobago calypsonian, Winston Bailey, has made a significant contribution to the art form and has left behind a legacy for others to emulate.
Bailey, known in the calypso arena as the “Mighty Shadow” will be buried in Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday following an open air service at the Queen’s Park Savannah, where he would have performed over the years.
Bailey died of a stroke at the Eric Williams Hospital last week Tuesday following a strike. He died four days before he was due to have received an honorary doctorate from the St. Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI).
In a message extending his condolences, Prime Minister Mitchell said the 77 year-old calypso icon” was truly one of the great artistes who made a significant contribution on the art-form.
“He has left us with a repertoire of great songs including Dingo-lay and Feeling the Feeling, two of my favourites. Although he’s Trinidadian, as Caribbean people, we embraced him as one of our own. He will be part of our collective legacy.”
Mitchell said he planned to extend personal sympathy to the family of the calypsonian, adding “in this moment of sadness, we, the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, share your grief. We pray that you are granted the strength to overcome the pain of this great loss.
“This week would have been one of great anticipation as he prepared to receive his honorary doctorate; as you mourn his loss, keep in your thoughts, the remarkable contribution he has made and the legacy he has left behind.”
