- A voice for the workers: The Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) is mourning the passing of Dr Slinger Francisco, ‘the Mighty Sparrow,’ hailing him as a fearless spokesperson for the working class.
- More than an entertainer: The union noted that Sparrow earned his crown by understanding and expressing the struggles, poverty, and frustrations of ordinary people.
- “One of our own”: Recalling its 2015 tribute to him during Calypso History Month, the OWTU described Sparrow as a revered figure within the labour movement.
- A global cultural giant: The union thanked Sparrow for putting Trinidad and Tobago on the world map and reminding Caribbean people of their true identity.
- Condolences extended: The OWTU offered its deepest sympathies to Sparrow’s family and the calypso fraternity, celebrating a life that deeply enriched the country.
By Alicia Chamely
Dr Slinger Francisco, “the Mighty Sparrow,” was more than an iconic calypsonian; he was a spokesperson for the working class, says the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) as it joins in mourning his passing.
In a press release on Monday, the OWTU reflected on Sparrow’s significance to the labour movement and hailed him as a voice that championed the working class.
The OWTU stated, “For the OWTU, this is more than the passing of a great calypsonian. We have lost a champion, a cultural giant and a voice that spoke fearlessly on behalf of ordinary people.”
“To us, Sparrow did not earn his crown merely because he could sing, entertain or command a stage. He earned it because he understood the power of his voice, the struggles of the people, injustice, poverty and inequality. He understood the frustrations of the working class. And, through his music, he gave expression to what many ordinary people felt. That is why his music resonated so deeply with the labour movement,” the union stated.
Noting that for the trade union movement, Sparrow was revered as “one of our own,” the OWTU stated the union honoured and presented an award to Sparrow in 2015, as part of Calypso History Month.
Reflecting on the presentation of the award, the OWTU stated, “To us, however, that occasion was more than honouring this great man and presenting him with an award. It was our way of saying thank you for decades of music, for speaking for the working people, for putting Trinidad and Tobago on the world’s cultural map, and for reminding generations of Caribbean people who we are.”
The OWTU stated, “Today, as we mourn, we also celebrate. We celebrate a life that enriched our country. We celebrate the man who could make us laugh, make us dance, and make us think.”
“The Mighty Sparrow sang about us; he sang for us, and, in many ways, he fought for us,” it added.
Paying its respects, the OWTU extended its condolences to the family of the Mighty Sparrow, the calypso fraternity, and all those with whom his music resonated.
“Rest well, Mighty Sparrow. You gave the people a voice that will never be forgotten,” the OWTU concluded.
