San Fernando to celebrate late icons

THE city of San Fernando has set aside a week to celebrate the lives of fallen cultural heroes from the southland who died in 2018. From the week of February 18, the city has planned events celebrating the life and times of pan icons Ken “Professor” Philmore and Steve Achaiba, former king of Carnival Roland St George and calypsonians the Mighty Composer and Lord Superior, among others.

There will also be the premiere of A Mural by the Sea, a film by Tony Hall of the book of the same name written by Dawad Phillip.

Mayor Junia Regrello said, “As we enter the Carnival season for 2019, it is my esteemed honour and pleasure to announce that the city of San Fernando has begun the necessary steps in commemorating the week of February 18, 2019 to our fallen heroes and sons of the south who have recently transitioned.

“We take this time to celebrate the life of Ken ‘Professor’ Philmore and his devotion to the continued development of our national instrument. As such, we intend to collaborate with both public, private organisations and individuals to highlight the life of this cultural Carnival hero and national icon.”

Regrello said from next Monday there will be a media launch and exhibition, lectures, archive films and public chat centred on the lives of these men, the southern mas and steelband movement, and a street near Library Corner will be named in Philmore’s honour.

Regrello, under whose patronage the events are being held, will also be among the speakers, along with Jonathan Achaiba, Allan Nicholas and Dr Janet Stanley-Marcano, talking about the men’s contribution to the cultural landscape.

The public and schools have been invited to attend the many events, including a radio/television show called Live from San Fernando, at Library Corner, showcasing NLCB Fonclaire Steel Orchestra, Mas and Kaiso Showkase.