It is with great saddness that the Bernard have heard the announcement of Shabbakas passing.We have known him and his family for several decades.We fondly remember his and our family working alongside one another in a number of projects in the Early days of carnival.During the yearly gala we would be hurriedly preparing our costumes alongside the band he was a member of as well as other bands.He seemed so spirited,enthusiastic and driven.

Our band also worked with him at such events as the Queens Jubilee,opening of the Millenium dome and the Denmark carnival where he was extremely helpful to us and the other bands taking part.I remember my late mother being impressed by his vision,It was alway fun to watch them chat and banter trini style whenever they met at various carnival events.My mother would often tell him to pray as he was doing a challenging job.  

Shabbakas approach was verey much “We have arrived as a people we unite as a people and we are collectively a force to be reckoned with.The Bernard family would likevto thank him for the example the he has shown us as well as the unrelenting effort that he has made to make life better for carnivalists and the community.

Most of all we thank him for his humility.I remember one occassion where my family was visiting a carnival event.One of us saw shabbaka we asked him if he was officiating,he said he was just helping out.We thank him for helping the community and hope that we can follow his example.

One Love