The Tribute Concert for the late Sir Dunstan St. Omer held at the National Cultural Centre on Monday May 18th was a great success. It was well attended by a broad cross section of the public.
The Folk Research Centre, who organised the concert, thanks all those who contributed so generously of their time and talents. These include:
The Cultural Development Foundation who provided the National Cultural Centre free of cost and also provided a sound technician for the evening;
The Jubilee Trust Fund;
Writers: Derek Walcott, McDonald Dixon, Kendel Hippolyte, Vladimir Lucien, Ras Isley, George Goddard, Travis Weekes; the Honorable Moses ‘Musa’ JnBaptiste, Minister of Agriculture brought greetings from the Government and read a poem;
Musicians: Jab Duplessis and Clarence Joseph; Gene Lawrence; Lennie Stone; the James Brothers (Martin, Ziggy and Yannick); Niger Nestor and Joseph Jean; Afwéchi of the Piaye Cultural group;
Dancers: Les Danseurs Traditionelles;
Tributes came from: Dr. Veronica Simon, Head of the Open Campus, UWI; Mr. Urban Dolor, Principal of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College; Ms. Martha Foster representing the Minister of Education; Msgr Patrick Anthony;
A number of artists brought their work to create an impromptu art exhibition. These included: Gary Butte; Cedric George; Delthia Naitram; Arnold Toulon; Niger Nestor; Cecil Fevrier. Some pieces by Sir Dunstan were also on exhibit.
Ms. Digna St. Omer offered thanks from the St. Omer family.
Mr. Hilary La Force welcomed the audience on behalf of the FRC and Kennedy ‘Boots’ Samuel was the MC.
The official funeral for Sir Dunstan takes place on Wednesday May 20th at 2 pm at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.