It was a sombre mood at the Piarco International Airport on Tuesday as the body of Slinger Francisco, also known as The Mighty Sparrow, was flown into Trinidad and Tobago ahead of his State-assisted funeral.
Mr Francisco’s body was transported on board Caribbean Airlines flight 521, which departed John F. Kennedy Airport in New York earlier on Tuesday morning.
Curious airport workers were among those gathered as the flight touched down at 11:53am, with family members and Ministry officials present as his body arrived in Trinidad and Tobago.
Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin was among those who paid their respects and offered words of comfort to the family.
On September 27th, 2026, the world woke to the sad news that The Mighty Sparrow had passed away at the age of 91 in New York. He was surrounded by loved ones at the time.
Born on July 9th, 1935, in Grenada, The Mighty Sparrow migrated to Trinidad and Tobago as an infant and went on to become one of the most influential figures in Caribbean music.
Tributes have been pouring in from all over the world since his passing.
On Sunday, family, friends and fans gathered at Linden Seventh-day Adventist Church in Laurelton, Queens, for a farewell service to pay tribute to the legendary calypsonian and celebrate his remarkable life and legacy.
Here at home, the Ministry of Culture and Community Development opened condolence books for the public to sign at various locations.
The main condolence book is available at its offices on Level 8, Tower C of the International Waterfront Complex in Port of Spain until October 14th, between 10am and 4pm daily.
Additionally, books are available at the National Academy for the Performing Arts in Port of Spain, the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts in San Fernando and the Shaw Park Complex in Scarborough, Tobago.
Condolence books have also been placed at all 14 Municipal Corporations throughout Trinidad.
The Government is working with the family of The Mighty Sparrow to accord the late calypsonian a State-assisted funeral.
Details about funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.