00:13A tribute in song for the late brother Valentino, whose celebration of life was held today at the Cathedral of
00:21the Immaculate Conception.
00:22The People's Calypsonian, as he was fondly called, was remembered for what some described as his biting lyrics, the vehicle
00:31for his unique talent to capture social and political issues in song.
00:36And that is why the title, The People's Calypsonian, said him so well. It was not simply a nickname. It
00:48described his relationship with his audience.
00:51Valentino's song with people in mind. The struggles, their hopes, their frustration, their dignity.
01:03But anyone who knew him also knew that behind the serious commentary, he was a very personable man. Warm, approachable,
01:18reflective, and deeply committed to the fertility.
01:22Brother Valentino received several accolades throughout his decades-long career. But his daughter notes, there was one title which eluded
01:31him.
01:32Daddy never won the National Calypso Monarch crown. And that still doesn't sit well with many.
01:40He would tell you himself that the name the people gave him, The People's Calypsonian, meant more than any crown.
01:52He won the hearts of the people, but the people also won his heart. He took time to embrace and
02:00acknowledge everyone.
02:03A man tiny in physical stature, but carrying an enormous heart bursting with love and generosity.
02:12I have heard recounts of his eldest daughter, Janda, of him leaving home and returning prematurely with a bare back.
02:21Because he gave away the literal shirt on his back, because he gave away the literal shirt on his back.
02:28In his case though, a prophet was not without honor and his home. The nation did honor him.
02:35Some of these honors included the Veterans Monarch in 2005, the Sunshine Awards Hall of Fame in 2009, the Hummingbird
02:48Medal Silver in 1992, the Gold in 2012, and most recently, an honorary doctorate that was to be awarded next
03:00month.
03:03Following the service, Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin reaffirmed the government's commitment to do right by Calypsonians, past, present and future.
03:14The consideration cannot really be something physical space. It has to be tangible, benefiting both the artists when they are
03:21alive, also with regards to their family, as you would appreciate some artists in their early years in their career
03:27couldn't earn to the capacity that artists could earn today.
03:30And still we have to look at how an artist is earned today. So I think it has to be
03:35some sort of a contribution that they could take care of themselves in their golden days.
03:40So as I can tell you, I had conversation with Tuko. There are different conversations with regards to insurances, their
03:48life funds.
03:48So the conversation is happening, so the conversation is happening, but it is going to be an approach and to
03:53fold with regards to the government and to go involved.
03:56The veteran Calypsonian leaves us with notable hits like Life is a Stage, Barking Dogs and This Place Nice.
04:05Trinidad is nice, Trinidad is a paradise. They are not serious, very few conscious, so I cannot agree with my
04:15own chorus.
04:17Trinidad is nice, and Trinidad is a paradise. But then I hear some people talking about revolution, the change is
04:28only way.
04:29Rest in peace, daddy, rest in peace.
04:32Renasa Cutting, TV6 News.
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