Next Friday, a Celebration of Life will be held for the Slinger Francisco, aka “The Mighty Sparrow”.
In the two days before persons will be able to pay their respects, with his body to lie in repose for public viewing.
The Culture Ministry says the viewing on Wednesday October 13th, will be held at SAPA in San Fernando, while the viewing on Thursday October 14th will be at NAPA in Port of Spain.
At the request of the Francisco family, persons are asked NOT to take photographs or record videos at the public viewings.
A Celebration of Life, including a procession and tribute programme, is then scheduled for Friday October 16, 2026.
The procession will begin at 10am at Independence Square and proceed along Frederick Street, Port of Spain, in three stages:
Independence Square: The National Farewell
Frederick Street: The People’s and Cultural Farewell
NAPA: The Ceremonial Farewell
The procession will allow citizens to pay their respects, with participation from national schools and representatives from T&T’s Carnival and cultural industries.
Selected recordings from the late Mighty Sparrow’s extensive body of work will form part of the procession.
A tribute programme will then take place at NAPA from 1:30pm to 3:30pm.
The Ministry says arrangements are being made for members of the public to view the Celebration of Life at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain.
The Mighty Sparrow died on September 27th in New York at the age of 91.
The Ministry of Culture and Community Development continues to work closely with the Francisco Family and a coordinating team comprising Mr. Carl Beaver Henderson, Ms. Michelle Hart, Simpsons Memorial Ltd and other Government officials to finalise arrangements and provide the necessary support.
As such, Minister Benjamin continues to host planning meetings with representatives of the Francisco family and the coordinating team, including those held at NAPA on October 2 & 7, 2026, guided by Ms. Andria Narinesingh, M.O.M., Chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs.
Following his passing, the Government stated its intention to collaborate with the Francisco family to pay tribute.
A technical planning meeting was held at NAPA on October 8th to address the technical requirements and coordination efforts for the Celebration of Life.
Additionally, a security meeting was held today with representatives of local various arms forces and officials addressing security arrangements and safety measures for the procession and Celebration of Life.
