Renowned Guyanese calypsonian and leader of the Tradewinds band, Dave Martins, has died.
Martins is widely known for his popular patriotic song “Not a Blade of Grass.”
His wife, Annette Arjoon, confirmed his death in a Facebook post, stating “Eternally grateful to have shared fifteen years of unconditional love, support and especially shared passions for everything Guyanese with my soulmate.”
President Dr Irfaan Ali also issued a statement on the passing of Martins, calling him more than just a musician and a “true Caribbean icon.”
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo also said he is deeply saddened to hear of Martins’ passing.
“His contributions to music, culture, and the community have left an indelible mark. Dave’s talent, passion, dedication and patriotism were truly inspiring, and his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched,” Jagdeo stated.
See below for the full message of condolence from President Dr Irfaan Ali:
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a true Caribbean icon, Dave Martins, whose music was the heartbeat of our region. As the leader of the Tradewinds band, Dave captured the essence of the Caribbean spirit and its identity, blending upbeat rhythms with biting satire that spoke to our hearts and minds. His music not only invited us to laugh at ourselves but also encouraged us to stand tall and be proud of our Guyanese and Caribbean heritage.
“Not a Blade of Grass,” his timeless anthem, stands as a powerful statement to our nation’s collective resistance against threats to our sovereignty and territorial integrity. In our moments of challenges, it was Dave’s music that lifted our spirits, reminding us of the strength and resilience we hold as a people and our duty never to surrender an inch of our territory
Dave Martins was more than just a musician; he was a true Caribbean person whose influence extended beyond borders, touching the lives of countless individuals across the region. His loss is deeply felt, not only in Guyana but throughout the entire Caribbean and in our diaspora.
Whenever his music plays, no matter where you are, it stirs a deep sense of pride in being a Caribbean person. The rhythms and melodies carry the essence of our shared heritage, reminding us of who we are and where we come from. Dave Martins’ music connects us to our roots and fills us with a profound love for our Caribbean identity.
I am confident that while he has passed on, his music will live on. Guyana and the Caribbean are indeed poorer for his passing, but we are infinitely richer for having had the privilege of experiencing his art, his passion, and his deep love for our country and the culture of the Caribbean. Dave Martins will be dearly missed, but his spirit will forever resonate in the rhythms of our Caribbean identity.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Annette and to his family, friends and massive following of fans.
Ongoing efforts of the Iwokrama International Centre, together with support from the Government of Guyana agencies, to stem the illegal gold mining situation within...
Police ranks in Regional Division #6 (East Berbice-Corentyne) have destroyed more than $258.7 million in cannabis at an farm along the Upper Berbice River.
Lead...
Under the Friday night lights on the lawns of State House, a vivid yellow-and-orange lion rose dramatically onto its hind legs.
A gold-clad performer climbed...
Optique Vision Care (OVC) on Friday opened its US$5 million Optique Eye Hospital (OEH) at New Market Street, Georgetown, which marks a significant advancement...
A 23-year-old woman of Meadow Brook Squatting Area, Georgetown has been arrested for the possession of a quantity of cannabis and ecstasy.
Keyola Daniels was...
The Guyana Government has issued a preliminary call for investors to support two major projects, a cooking gas bottling plant and fertiliser facility, under...
Farmers in Region Nine are celebrating a strong onion harvest at Manari Creek, reaping more than $15 million in crops as the government-backed agricultural...
The Small Business Bureau (SBB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has officially launched the Tertiary Entrepreneurship Award (TEA), a new initiative aimed...
Residents of Swan, along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, are set to benefit from the reconstruction of a key access road under the Rehabilitation/Construction of Swan...
