Prominent Arima resident Maxie Andrew Assee dies at 93

A well-known figure on the Arima social scene, Maxie Andrew Assee, aka “Bird,” died on Thursday.

News of his death circulated on social media shortly after noon on Thursday.

Assee was born on October 10, 1926. He attended the Arima Boys' RC School and worked at the Arima Race Club from the 1950s. He is recognised at the club as its longest-serving employee.

He is well known by Arima residents for riding his bicycle and is also a well-known boxing coach.

Former mayor of Arima and Assee’s nephew Elvin Edwards said he always described his uncle to people as a gentleman. In a brief phone interview with Newsday, Edwards said he and the rest of the family will ensure Assee gets a proper send-off.

“It’s a difficult period for us but we’re doing fine so far,” said an emotional Edwards. “I am heartened by the outpouring of love I am seeing on social media. Maxie to me is a legend – an icon. He is one of the most caring individuals that I have ever met.

“People know him from riding his bicycle. That was his trademark and that in some way may have contributed to his death.”

Edwards said Assee was taken to hospital on Saturday and it was discovered his blood sugar level was dangerously high. He was then transferred to Mt Hope hospital, where a CT scan revealed he had suffered multiple strokes.

Edwards said,while at hospital Assee developed pneumonia and, after that, the family knew it was only a matter of time.

“He lived a happy life (and) he died peacefully. I was at his bedside at 10.15 this morning. My last words to him were ‘Maxie, I love you,’ and I left. At 12, the doctors called to tell me he had passed.”

Edwards said his uncle helped many people throughout his life, including those who could not always afford the goods he offered at his parlour which he ran opposite the Arima Girls' RC School.

Assee was recognised by Arima MP Pennelope Beckles on November 5, 2020 as a long-serving member of the community at the opening of the Arima community centre.