The name "Drago" aka "Scrape", Tall Boy" "Stretch" had become synonymous with All Stars Steel Orchestra... at least to pan lovers in Trinidad & Tobago's Industrial Capital, San Fernando. This had been the case with whatever sobriquet used in reference to the band ... Southern All Stars, United All Stars or its mergence with Antillean under the tutelage of Jhamille Whiby. This extends even onto the associate sponsors over the years ... Texaco, Ju-C, Ross & Sons and Paradise Amusement. Although he never actually "knocked" pan (with that band) Drago had become an institution with the musical outfit due to what he was able to bring to the table. But alas, this shall be no more as Drago was laid to rest at Belgroves Crematorium on Tuesday 31st December, 2013.
Kenneth's Sunrise occurred on August 6, 1941, from whence he left an indelible mark where he was bred in Brown Lane (Carlton Lane) San Fernando well prior to his demise on December 26, 2013. His dexterity included that of a Painter cum Graphic Designer which he shared with his favourite musical outfit. Drago was not only responsible for printing T-Shirts and banners for All Stars but also for painting the national instrument and designing the logo many a carnival season. He was also responsible for overseeing the welding of the pan racks for the road. Collecting Band Fee was also under his sobriquet.
WHEN THE STEELBAND CLASH
After the second world war experimentation on the steel drum was in full swing all over Trinidad. Any well meaning parents forbade their children to go even near a pan yard. As the Calypsonian Blakie put it in song "If yuh sister talk to a steelband man yuh family want to break she hand, put she out break up every teeth in she mouth ... caste yuh out caste"
Drago defied his parents and could always be found in All Stars pan yard. It was not unusual for two Steelbands to clash at carnival. The fracas will cause both bands to be banned by the authorities. This anomaly started under British rule and continued well into independence. To circumvent that the band will simply change its name as it was the only way one could have gotten a permit to play music on the streets at carnival. So one year All Stars can easily become United All Stars while another year Southern All Stars or Antillean All Stars. Drago was part and parcel of such transition as he was responsible for the graphic conceptualisation in most cases. Over the years the band's arrangers included Theo Stephens on his return from TASPO, Bendic,Ray Holman and Jhamille Whibby.
DRAGO THE MASMAN
To the ladies Drago was that "tall, brown skin, handsome Off duty Army General" of All Stars. As an artist he would come up with carnival designs for the pan side and would even bring a section. In the words of Ray Hinkson, his childhood next door neighbour, "Drago was my keenest rival as a section leader for All Stars". These two always tried to outdo one another in their presentation and dance moves on the road. This was, indeed, the order of the day in carnival, a la Trinidad. To see the draper Drago step in full regalia towering all others around him, at 6 feet four inches was, indeed, a sight to behold.
THE BROWN LANE SCENARIO
To those who knew him well enough Drago had a rather quiet disposition ... he sometimes stammered and tended to open his mouth only when necessary. He was more of a listener than a talker... the kind of guy who more often is seen but not heard, except for when he's whistling one of his favourite ditties. It could well have been "Tall Boy" who came up with the term "Slakkers", the name given to guys in his home circle. It was also the name of the Football Club in "The Lane" which participated in a soccer League in Princes Town. Even though soccer was not his thing ... he was a most ardent supporter. It was later to become Carlton Lane Club which was involved in a Sunday Soccer League in Mon Repos/Navet.
The last grouping which came out of the area was the Carlton Lane Community Group with Hollis Clifton as President. Drago served as an Elder/Advisor to the outfit... a role which saw him develop a relationship with Dr. Roderick Loney, the Pastor of the Beth'aleel First Baptist Church on Drayton Street, Sando. Drago became the keeper of a set of pews which Pastor Looney donated to the Community Group for whenever meetings were to be held. It was a dependable Drago who would bring out the pews and lay them in the court in readiness for each meeting. He would later muster man power to return them to his premises for safe keeping.
It was a common site to see the Brown Lane Posse at fetes and other social events decked in jerseys identifying themselves as "Slakkers"... designed and printed by Drago. One could have called him "Mr Fete" ... he never missed one yet. In those days it was common for every block to carry a name.
In a trip down memory Lane, Wolly Francis iterated the love Drago had for card games inclusive of wa'pee, sipsam, brag, rummy, hearts, among others. It was quite "normel" for these activities to take place at the side of the road or under the Berwick's residence. He wasn't afraid to gamble either. Drago was also the man behind the short-lived Blue Busters Steelband which was based in his backyard. That band was managed by his cousin, Sham George, who at that time stayed at the Berwick's residence. This may have been the only time Drago would have been an actual pan player. He was also an avid player of wind ball cricket of which he was a quick bowler.
His homies included Winston "Coconut" Christian, Selwyn, Wally & Errol Francis, Clyde Brown, Sonny Kent, John Grant, Irwin "Tackie" Donavan, Teddy, Shaky, Kenneth "Heads" Baptiste, Sonny Samuel, Daydates, Fitzroy Hamilton, Cabayo, Errol Ling, Mersey, Nasco, Dog, Carl "Kabu" Diegoville, Peter Lamsee, Melvin Julian, Michael Pappin, Michael "Beast" Alexander, Kenrick "Parrol" Millington, Tookie, Tony Huggins, Roland Reshea, Johnny & Nazo Ali, Tony "Shitty" Ali, Sonson "Bass" Chase, Fitzroy Hamilton, Aldwyn Gilbert, Rat, Fatblack, Nasco, Elton Banfield, Mervin Garth, Garth Bonas, Ian "Rasputin" Sealy, Owen & Renwick Clifton, Rudy & Steve Baird, Fisher Ducky, Earl Turpin, Hollis Reece, Gregory Remy, Stalk St Hill, Bosie Johnson, Leo Balthasa, Errol Simon.
DRAGO THE FAMILY MAN
Kenneth had six siblings in Rita (dec) Jean (dec) Shirley, George Jr. (dec), Lystra and Brenda. He leaves to mourn his wife, Linda and seven children in Dennis, Karen, Kenlyn, Kevin, Keisha, Khadine and Kerlene. His grand children include Denecia, Kidell, Delesha, Khai, Kiarra and Alisha.
He was always a caring person who was always willing to share. This is evidenced in his willingness to pass on his craft to Wesley, his nephew, enabling him to make stencils and print jerseys.
by Hollis John Clifton
Replies
I'd like to add my condolences to the friends and relatives of the late Kenneth "Drago" Berwick.
I never knew him, but I'm familiar with a few of the names mentioned here.
In the 1960's, All Stars set the standard for sailor mas in San Fernando, and their military presentations were as grand as any Port of Spain sailor band.
As a matter of fact, before we moved to Marabella around 1960, and fell I in love with Southern Marines, it was my boyhood dream to play sailor mas with them.
Obviously, the band's presentations were influenced Drago, and his contributions are appreciated.
May he rest in peace.
ADDENDUM:- Please forgive me for omitting Drago's brother-in-Law, TERRY KINSALE FUGUERA who was also in Antillean All Stars with Drago.Terry was, indeed, a vital source of information on Drago's background. Nuff Respect Terry
My condolences and that of my family go out to the family and friends of Drago. May his soul rest in peace.
His is a story of a legend! Condolences to friends and family!
Well boy Drago ah seeing yuh now.wid yuh pardner Kello.
You are alive in the spirit.
yours in pan
My condolences and that of the Renegades Steel Orchestra, to the Antillean All Stars as well as to the family and friends of Drago. May he Rest In Peace.