Guyanese cultural icon, Dave Martins, was remembered as a true Guyanese and Caribbean man at a moving and solemn funeral service this morning, just before his cremation.
Martins passed away on Sunday at the age of 90. A private funeral and cremation service was held this midday, in keeping with the family’s wishes. It was attended by family members and close friends and Government officials. A national memorial service is to be held at a later date, according to a statement from the Government.
The Office of the President released video clips of the farewell service this afternoon for the man who became one of Guyana’s most recognised and celebrated singers and cultural ambassadors.
The widow of Dave Martins, environmentalist Annette Arjoon-Martins, reflected on their fifteen year marriage and the spark that led to their love and relationship.
“He was very persistent and one year later (after meeting), we were married. Love is kind, Love is patient, Love is forgiving, Love is so much, and that is what Dave was. I was really blessed to have him my life, and have him for 15 years of absolute joy and happiness, and solitude. And today, he is in a good place and surrounded by friends and family and those of you who are here, who I know cared for him deeply”, she said, while fighting back tears.
President Irfaan Ali in his tribute said Dave Martins was more than just a national asset.
“Every single Regional Leader, as young, and I don’t want to say old, but experienced, they all were acquainted with Dave. And they see him as a regional man, and they valued him as a regional man. And that’s why in my brief statement, I positioned him as such, because doing less would not be giving justice to who he was. There are a number of national assets that we have, and I have made it a duty to let these persons know that they are a national asset”, the President said.
The President said just recently he instructed his Foreign Minister to officially nominate Dave Martins to receive the Order of Caribbean award, which is handed out annually by CARICOM.
Close family friend, retired Major General Joe Singh said there was no doubt that Dave Martins served Guyana and served the country well, through his music, his writings and his love for country.
“This Guyanese has served his country with dignity, with honour, with love as reflected in his over 300 songs that he produced. Of course the iconic, Not a Blade of Grass, stands out as his masterpiece, and some of us call it our second anthem”, retired Major General Singh said.
Dave Martins was honored with a National Award, and two years ago, the University of Guyana honored him with an Honorary Doctors of Letters. He also received numerous other awards and accolades both locally and internationally over the years.
His songs have crossed generations and many of them remain as relevant today as they were decades ago when they were first written.
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