LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Calypso great Kelvin
"Mighty Duke" Pope

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to the
lives of those esteemed individuals of world renown who have distin-
guished themselves through their life's work; and
WHEREAS, One of Calypso's greatest icons, Kelvin "Mighty Duke" Pope
died on Wednesday, January 14, 2009; he was born in 1932 in Point
Fortin, South Trinidad; over the years he became renowned not only for
delivering social commentary, humorous songs with equal skill, dignity
and lyrical mastery, but also for his dignified stage presence; and
WHEREAS, The Duke, as he was lovingly called, is the only Calypsonian
in Trinidad and Tobago's history to have won the Calypso Monarch title
four consecutive times from 1968-1971; in addition, he also won the Road
March Title with "Thunder" in 1987; and
WHEREAS, As a Calypsonian, Duke was a master lyricist who was not only
interested in local issues, but over a career which lasted more than 50
years demonstrated the importance of a global awareness; with such songs
as "How Many More Must Die" and "Apartheid", he was a vocal critic of
colonialism and apartheid in Africa; in 1970, The Duke was honored with
the Humming Bird gold medal for his musical accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, The Duke lived a long and fulfilling life recording Calypsos
from 1964; his Calypsos remain a living testament to the momentous
contribution of this mighty Trinbago Icon, and he will be remembered for
his passion for the Calypso art form; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, The Duke leaves behind a
legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a
comforting memory to all he served and befriended; and
WHEREAS, The Duke is survived by his wife, Rebecca and his three sons;
he was a true asset to society; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Calypso great Kelvin "Mighty Duke" Pope; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Kelvin "Mighty Duke" Pope.