Benedict Ricardo

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is deeply saddened at the passing of calypso icon Slinger Francisco, on Sunday 27 September. The Mighty Sparrow, as he was popularly known, is 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. 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. caricom.org/message-of-condo…