Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco) Funeral Drama: Kamla Persad-Bissessar Responds

Kamla Persad-Bissessar Assures Opposition Leader Ahead of Mighty Sparrow’s Funeral Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has responded to Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles over the scheduling of Mighty Sparrow’s funeral on the same day as the opposition’s budget response. Persad-Bissessar said it was inappropriate to turn the calypso legend’s funeral into a political dispute, urging the nation to focus on giving Slinger Francisco, known worldwide as Mighty Sparrow, a respectful farewell. Beckles is scheduled to begin her budget response at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, October 16. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo reportedly took approximately two and a half hours to present the budget, and Beckles is expected to finish around noon if she speaks for the same length of time. Meanwhile, Sparrow’s national farewell includes a procession from Independence Square along Frederick Street to the National Academy for the Performing Arts. A cultural tribute programme is scheduled for the afternoon. As Trinidad and Tobago prepares to honour the legendary Calypso King, the message is one of unity, respect and remembrance for an artist whose music left an unforgettable mark on Caribbean culture.