Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC has joined the outpouring of tributes to calypso icon Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow, signing the book of condolences at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) on Thursday as family, government officials and members of the public gathered to honour his legacy.
Beyond the formality of the occasion was a personal moment, as the Prime Minister took time to connect with the late calypsonian’s loved ones.
Government officials also paid tribute to the Mighty Sparrow, while well-wishers from across the country continued to add their messages to the book of condolences.
The Mighty Sparrow’s daughter, Karen Francisco, told TTT News she was in awe of the outpouring of love through phone calls and social media, which had also given her the opportunity to see previously unseen footage of her father.
“You would see stories, people, how they know him, they would send me videos that I don’t think anyone has seen of him. It’s like another gift because I get to see my dad in a different light and the love. So it’s really been overwhelmingly wonderful.”
Asked how the Birdie would have reacted to the outpouring of love, she said: “I see him smiling. I see him giving that iconic laugh that he gives and that little growl, that kind of thing, and I definitely think he’ll be tickled pink, to be honest.”
The Prime Minister noted that through his music, wit and unmatched contribution to culture, the Mighty Sparrow carried the spirit and stories of the people of Trinidad and Tobago across the world.