Dear Editor,
Malcolm Corrica better known as Lord Canary, his adopted stage name, is no more in material form. However, his spirit being is so well entrenched that it is likely to live on into many, many more years to come. Such was the manner of the man Lord Canary.
He hailed from the village of Bagotstown; lived his entire life there unto his retirement from terrestrial existence on Monday, October 10, 2016.
Among other things Lord Canary was an ardent follower of the Founder Leader, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and through his life exemplified Burnham’s concept of the small man becoming a real man.
Canary from his early days saw dignity in labour, thus upon his completion of primary school declared his intention to learn, and live by, a trade, thus he pursued wood work as a vocation and with the assistance of his father became an accomplished joiner.
All along, he also, in and out of church, pursued his love for singing and calypso in particular. This saw him rising to be a top notch and reputable calypsonian across the Caribbean and further afield, even defeating The Mighty Sparrow in a King of Kings competition in 1960. In the face of all of that success he refused to leave his native land for what many described as greener pastures and many a lucrative offer.
Burnham recognized Canary for his talent, patriotism, loyalty and commitment and invited him to a career in politics. That he accepted with humility and subsequently became a Parliamentarian and Minister of Government spanning two political regimes: Burnham and Hoyte.
Upon retirement he took up an appointment in the Secretariat of the People’s National Congress as he continued his loyal political activism. During that entire period, even as his social status was elevated, he continued his humble lifestyle in his homestead, Bagotstown. He even engaged in the rearing of small ruminants as a livestock rearer.
He had become a statesman but never stopped living the life of, and with, the common man.
His vocation as a calypsonian was never shelved although it took second place during his call to higher office. Once he demitted higher office he resumed that career full fledged and only terminated it approximately three years ago when amputation due to the direct effect of diabetics affected his mobility.
Among his valuable contributions was the scripting and performing of congress songs for the party well beyond his period of employ with the Party.
His tribute to Burnham is also the theme song for the Burnham Foundation television programme: State of the Nation.
Canary truly talked the talk and walked the walk and never stopped keeping abreast with the politics of the day from his home where he received many a fans and admirers.
Unlike many celebrities, Canary was honoured in his lifetime. The last such occasion was the compilation and publication of his biography in 2016 by friends and admirers, including Allan Fenty, Vic Insanally and the Burnham Foundation.
The Burnham Foundation mourns the loss of a committed Comrade and Patriot and extends condolences to his family, friends and fans.
May his Soul rest in Peace.
Yours faithfully,
Vincent Alexander
