I’ve had the honor and privilege of working closely with my dearly beloved friend and brother, Shabaka Thompson. Our work together began in 1985 with performances and workshops as part of Baku Productions’ tour of schools, theatre venues and communities throughout Trinidad and Tobago, culminating in a three-day Seminar for teachers entitled ‘Drama Across the Curriculum.’ In 1986 we were part of an intense tour by Baku Productions, of schools and communities in London and the Northern Midlands. After the tour, Shabaka and Shango Baku remained in London and together with British Exchange teacher, Annie Cornbleet, they formed CETTIE (Cultral Exchange Through Theatre In Education) – a registered charity and the recipient of the prestigious Gulbenkian and Sainsbury awards among others.

We will forever be grateful for Shabaka’s service and his sterling contribution to the Carnival Arts and Culture. Indeed, they are etched in the annals of our nation’s history. Gone too soon. Never forgotten. My deepest condolences to his wife Angela, son Oba, brother Earl, Mother Elise and all the family