No Carnival activities at masman's funeral

DESPITE his deep involvement with Carnival, veteran masman Roland St George repeatedly told his wife he wanted a simple funeral without any mas.

Francesca St George told Newsday she will be fulfilling her husband’s wish.

She said, “He always said the world had him when he was alive. Mas was for when he was alive. On many occasions, my husband said he wanted a simple funeral. That is what he preferred, and I will abide by his wishes.”

The funeral will be on Wednesday at the St Clement Anglican Church, Manahambre Road near St Clement’s junction.

St George, 72, who had cancer, died on Sunday morning at the family’s home in La Romaine.

The two-time King of Carnival had a passion for mas, and was a spiritual man, his wife said.

“When lent came, he maintained his religious beliefs. We are not having any wake because that was something he did not want either. He did not want that type of atmosphere where there are rum-drinking and card-playing. People are passing through.”

St George and his wife would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in April.

Since his death, many people have expressed condolences to the family.

Referring to St George as a Carnival King, artisan, and industry pioneer, the National Carnival Commission (NCC) in a media release said it joins with the nation in remembering his life. NCC said St George will be remembered for his rich legacy, and invaluable contributions to the Carnival industry as a masquerader, a monarch, and later as a bandleader.

The release quoted NCC’s chairman, Winston "Gypsy" Peters as being deeply touched and saddened by the death.

"His work in the field was second-to-none and his death comes as a great loss to the Carnival community. We have lost another icon, and just like those who have gone before, Roland will truly be missed," Peters said.

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"No Carnival activities at masman’s funeral"

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