CARIBBEAT: Black Stalin, Jo Mersa Marley and Singing Francine lost near 2022′s end

Most of the mainstream media was unfamiliar with the talents and contributions of Black Stalin, Jo Mersa Marley, and Singing Francine, but in the Caribbean region and the diaspora fans mourned the passing of these performers who died late last month.

“Black Stalin,” born Leroy Calliste in San Fernando, Trinidad, died on Dec. 28. Active since 1959, he became a major award-winning singer-songwriter of calypso music, known for his stinging political lyrics.

“Stalin, 81, who never recovered from a stroke he suffered nine years ago, passed away at his San Fernando home around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, surrounded by his wife Patsy and members of his family who has been praying for a miracle,” reported Yvonne Web for Trinidad and Tobago Newsday story titled, “Calypso fraternity mourns Black Stalin’s passing.”

The Daily News did report the passing of Marley — 31-year-old grandson of reggae great Bob Marley and son of Stephen Marley — who died on Dec. 26. Jo Mersa Marley’s music career included his work with the Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers — a family band led by his uncle.

Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness gave his condolences to the “reggae music fraternity and fans everywhere,” calling Marley’s passing “a huge loss to the music as we look to the next generation.”

Chris Chin, CEO of the influential Jamaica, Queens-based VP Records music label said, “our prayers are with his wife and daughter, and the Marley family at this difficult time.”

News of Singing Francine’s death spread through the city’s Caribbean community and then to the region. “Calypso, parang in mourning” read part of the Trinidad Express headline on the obituary for singer-songwriter Singing Francine, who died in New York last month.

Born Francine Edwards in Barbados, the performer was known for her contributions to women in the calypso genre as an award-winning artist, and as an important pioneer of the Caribbean’s seasonal “parang” Christmas music.

“It is no stretch for me to say that Singing Francine’s music is timeless, as I know all Barbadians will be familiar with her music, with the sounds of “Parang, Parang” echoing throughout communities across the island during the Christmas period,” said Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley in a statement, reported by the Nation News of Barbados. “I am certain her contributions to these genres will never be forgotten.”

Herman Hall, founder, and publisher of New York’s Everybody’s Magazine, said “I’m in shock over the passing of Singing Francine.” Hall worked with the performer during the New York Carnival in the 1970s, and at the Everybody’s Magazine-sponsored World Calypso Monarch competition in the 1990s.

GET A SECOND CITIZENSHIP

Yes, investment immigration is a thing, and St. Kitts and Nevis is making some changes to its longtime system in which “foreigners who make a substantial contribution to the development of the country” can qualify for citizenship, along with their family members.

A qualifying investment can be made “by making a donation or investment in real estate purchase.”

The limited time offer for second citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis is available through June 30, by utilizing the country’s Sustainable Growth Fund.

The twin-island nation’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, operating for 40 years, has introduced a Board of Governors and a Technical Committee charged with providing general oversight of the operations the CBI Unit, assuring a “swift” completion of applications, performing “due diligence” in background checks, and other duties, announced Michael Martin, Citizenship by Investment unit head.

For program details, visit the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship website. And watch full video of Martin’s Citizenship by Investment announcement online.

HALF MOON’S STAR

Hospitality industry veteran Shernette Crichton isn’t just basking in the sun at the Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, she’s enjoying the triumph of being named Caribbean Hotelier of the Year for 2023 in the recent Caribbean Travel Awards, presented by the Caribbean Journal.

During her four years at the Half Moon, Crichton is credited with assisting in the opening of the resort’s new 57-suite Eclipse wing (with its restaurants, bars, spa, and other offerings) and guiding the resort through the COVID-19 pandemic.