Legendary masman laid to rest

The casket bearing the body of Wayne Berkeley is carried out by his brothers

Claetus, left, and Oswald, right, and other relatives and close friends

following the funeral service at the Church of Assumption,

Maraval, yesterday. Photo: BRIAN NG FATT

Legendary masman Wayne Berkeley was able to create heaven on earth for those who played in his Carnival bands over the years. Berkeley, who passed away last week Thursday at age 70, was laid to rest yesterday in a colourful send off at the Church of the Assumption, Maraval. In attendance were Berkeley’s brothers Claetus, Eldon and Oswald and their families. Members of Carnival and entertainment fraternity who came to pay their respects included, Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Winston Peters, Denyse Plummer, Stephen Derrick, Trevor Wallace, Richard Affong, Arden Knox, Keith Ramirez, David Lopez, Thora Dumbell, Rosemary Stone and chairman of the National Carnival Commission Kenny de Silva. In his homily, Father Joe Harris said Berkeley was able to create a heaven on earth with his Carnival creations.


Harris said, “Wayne used God’s gifts and talents to remind us of that other world.” He said through Berkeleys creativity and passion for colour he created a culture of joy, togetherness, beauty, sharing and happiness. Friend and dancer, Thora Dumbell paid tribute to Berkeley, describing him as a “genius” who came up “with the most unique ideas.”

Dumbell said: “Wayne, I salute you for the joy and beauty you bought us.” The eulogy was delivered by Berkeley’s brother, Oswald, who said Wayne’s name would forever be synonymous with Carnival. He described Berkeley as a perfectionist, who was meticulous and methodical in creating his costumes. To celebrate the life of Wayne Berkeley and the contribution he made to Carnival the National Library, Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain, is holding a special exhibition displaying some of Berkeley’s costumes, art works and sketches. The exhibition, which started on Tuesday, will end on July 15.
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Wayne Berkeley passed away last week Thursday at his Clifford Street, Belmont, home at age 70. He made his Carnival debut in 1965. He won 13 Band of Year titles with six consecutive wins. In 1974 he was awarded the Humming Bird Gold Medal for his contribution to the development of Carnival.

In 1985 Berkeley designed the altar for Pope John Paul II at the National Stadium. That same year he designed the interior of the Angostura building for the visit of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. He also designed prize-winning bands for Carnival in St Vincent, St Maarten, Antigua, Barbados, London and the United States.

Alicia Llanos

Wayne Berkeley dies at 70.

Wayne Berkeley  1940 - 2011

Trinidad carnival has lost one of its greatest sons in the passing of mas legend Wayne Berkeley last night. In the last quarter of the 20^th century no other bandleader/ designer won more bands of the year titles than him.

His contribution to mas will never be forgotten, and his presence will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.

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RC mas’ band draws ‘overwhelming’ interest

Wayne Berkeley
(photo from meppublishers)

Roman Catholic organisation, the Word and Associates has received “overwhelming” interest, both nationally and internationally, by people who wish to be part of its 2011 Carnival presentation, Genesis 1 — Creation, according to the band’s chairman, Derek Walcott.
The band, which is sanctioned by the head of the local Roman Catholic Church, Archbishop Edward Gilbert, was launched on January 4, and will participate in the Parade of the Bands, on both Carnival Monday and Tuesday.
Speaking with Newsday yesterday, Walcott said the band’s official website, which was launched last week, received over 1,200 hits so far, and the band’s “page” on the social networking site, facebook, has also received a lot of visitors.

“We have been receiving a lot of calls from people in St Lucia, Grenada and Canada wanting to register with the band,” said Walcott.
He said the band is open to a registration of 1,200 members, “for greater manageability, but people are begging us to open up the registration.”

However, Walcott said all sections in the band are still open for anyone interested in registering.
He said costumes were priced between $1,000 and $2,500, and the band will be all-inclusive.

Since the announcement that veteran mas’ man, Wayne Berkeley will be designing the Queen of the Band’s costume, Walcott said “requests have been pouring in to portray the queen.”
Walcott revealed that Canadian, Susan Low, will portray the Queen of the Band: Eve, the eternal light of the Universe. However, someone is yet to be listed to portray the King of the Band, Adam, “as two persons have expressed great interest in the portrayal.”



Walcott admitted that the Word and Associates has received some “negativity” from various members of the public, over producing a Carnival band.
“Many people felt Carnival is evil, and are not pleased that the Church was getting involved in something which is evil. I ask those people, are the panmen, calypsonians and mas designers evil?” asked Walcott. “How can the creative gift, which we received from God be evil,” Walcott added.
When asked what genre of music will accompany the masqueraders, Walcott explained that the band is currently assessing calypsoes and soca music which has “good values” and no “double meanings.”

Walcott said anyone wishing to register with the band will be briefed on the proper “behaviour” expected, as well as no alcoholic drinks will be served.
“As Catholics we have no beef with alcohol, but we are not promoting alcohol in our band. We are coming on a natural high,” he said.

By RESHMA BAAL