Wednesday, November 3 2010
The late Cecil Harewood aka “Malik” and “Godzilla,” was recently eulogised by Pan Trinbago president Keith Diaz as a man who helped many people and organisations without seeking financial reward. Diaz was speaking during Harewood’s funeral at packed St Charles RC Church, Tunapuna.
He said Harewood, because of lack of funds, walked around New York assisting him in mobilising bands to form Pan Trinbago, New York.
Diaz reminisced the Independence Day “Pan on Broadway Competition” was Harewood’s idea. He also revealed Harewood was one of the first panmen to play a seven base with a band at the Abbey-Volleywikers.
Diaz said it was Harewood who proposed to Owen Serrette, then Pan Trinbago president to have “the pan” declared the National Instrument of Trinidad and Tobago.
Retired Assistant Superintendent of Police, Andy Griffith reminded mourners that Harewood played cricket, football and “cut his steelband teeth” at his hometown of Mount St Benedict, St John Road, Tunapuna, with village band Flamingoes.
He later joined Desperadoes in Port-of-Spain, eventually becoming the band’s PRO, PRO of Pan Trinbago and Chairman of Pan Trinbago Northern Region. Griffith disclosed that Harewood was “a regular,” who had friends at all levels in the society, and was devoted to the pan fraternity. Griffith said Harewood’s name was known in every panyard, and he was previously honoured by Pan Trinbago.
It was revealed that Harewood considered himself a good cook who had mastered the “cook-up”. His favourite dish was “curry corn-beef soup” which he prepared for any celebration.
Six years ago, the former WASA employee was diagnosed with malignant brain tumour at the age of 70.
Pan soloists Ken ‘Professor’ Philmore, Earl Brooks and Desperadoes Captain Martin Cain, performed during the funeral service.
Harewood’s casket was wheeled to the nearby Tunapuna Cemetery on a pan rack serenaded by pan music with a heavy rhythm section provided by Moonlighting Revellers combined with East Side Symphony. Desperadoes Steel Orchestra played at the graveside. www.panapparels.com
Replies
God Bless
Anthony Ike Hinds
President
National Alliance of Steelbands