Entertainment stalwarts Mac Ward and Peter Joseph die

Yesterday the local entertainment industry mourned the loss of two stalwarts, veteran masman McDonald “Mac” Ward and comedian Peter Joseph.

According to reports, Ward died after a brief battle with liver cancer at his Maraval home yesterday. He was 78.

Ward, who was best known for his winning portrayal of George Bailey’s Cylindul the Sun God from the Golden City of Palengue, became a staple on the mas circuit up until the 1990s, lending his support to the likes of Peter Minshall and others.

Newsday spoke with brother Frank Ward, who said although Mac stayed away from active portrayals after retiring in 1995, he remained in tune with the state of the local mas industry and lent support whenever he was available.

Ward said his brother was pained over the lack of recognition he received after his commitment to the artform.

“He was really hurting after 30 years of being actively involved in the mas. He felt he should have gotten more recognition. He was very instrumental in mas as an artform.”

Newsday also spoke to bandleader and radio personality Luis Hart, who said he also felt Ward should have been celebrated more during his lifetime, citing his role alongside Minshall in reviving mas bands. Hart, who also mourned the loss of his father, Carnival pioneer Edmond Hart, this year, said while the creativity and the spirit behind mas has remained the same over the years, he called on newcomers to appreciate the history and culture as an artform.

“There would be no Peter Minshall if it wasn’t for people like Mac. I agree with what his brother has to say, and it’s sad he never got his dues in terms of his contribution to the culture. Over the years mas has changed, and as bandleaders we’ve had to change with it, but I want to urge all masmen to learn the craft behind mas. Mas itself means different things to different people and Mac understood that.”

In March, Ward expressed pain after his Mas Camp Pub in Woodbrook was gutted by a fire.

Joseph reportedly died while being treated at the St Clair Medical Centre yesterday. He was 51. Joseph, who performed alongside other headline acts such as Nikki Crosby and Learie Joseph, had an impressive career as a stand-up comedian, actor and writer. He was admitted to the centre earlier this week after falling ill.

Newsday spoke to his close friend and fellow actor Wendell Etienne who said he was saddened by the news of Joseph’s passing. Recalling their first meeting at an amateur comedy competition 17 years ago, he said Joseph’s confidence and tireless work ethic would be remembered by all of his friends.

“We were very cordial with each other both on and off the stage.

“I don’t think many people have realised how much work he put into his craft. Our first professional interaction was at the island-wide comedy tour in 2005 and it was basically a four-man show, with him, Learie (Joseph), Dolores and myself. I think I will best remember him as this: absolutely confident in his craft.”