The Ministry of Culture and Community Development notes the comments of the Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable Penelope Beckles, MP, in the Trinidad Guardian of 10 October 2026 concerning the date of the State-Assisted Funeral and Celebration of Life for the late Honourable Slinger Francisco, ORTT, CM, HBM, OCC, OBE, ‘The Mighty Sparrow’, Calypso King of the World.
As stated on 9 October 2026, the Ministry and the Francisco Family selected 16 October 2026 to accommodate relatives and invited guests travelling from across the Caribbean and beyond, including heads of government, ministers of culture and international cultural practitioners.
The family’s needs and travel arrangements determined the date. Neither the parliamentary calendar nor the business of any Member of the House, on either side, influenced that decision.
To suggest otherwise disregards the explanation already provided and places partisan considerations at the centre of a national farewell. The family and the occasion deserve greater respect.
There is also a poignant coincidence in the timing. In 2002, the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) declared October Calypso History Month. It is fitting that the nation will honour the late Mighty Sparrow during the month dedicated to the art form he helped carry to the world. This adds meaning to the tribute without changing the practical reasons for the date.
The Honourable Michelle Benjamin, MP, Minister of Culture and Community Development, said: ‘Sparrow sang for every Trinbagonian, whatever their party. His family asked for a date that would let his loved ones and the region’s leaders come home to say goodbye, and the Government honoured that request. No one should flatter themselves that a national farewell for the Calypso King of the World was arranged around a speech in Parliament. The Opposition Leader said some things are bigger than politics. We take her at her word. We now expect her to stand by it and not to turn the nation’s grief into a political platform.’
Minister Benjamin calls on the Leader of the Opposition to uphold her stated principle. The family’s grief and the nation’s farewell must remain above political debate.
She also invites all Members of Parliament, including the Leader of the Opposition, to pay their respects and join the nation in honouring the late Calypso King of the World at the following events:
- Lying in repose: Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA), 13 October 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Lying in repose: National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), 14 October 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Celebration of Life: National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), 16 October 2026, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Condolence books remain open until 15 October 2026. Members of the public may also sign the virtual condolence book at mccd.gov.tt.