“Arrow has really influenced a great deal of the Caribbean artform and it’s really sad that we now have to mourn his passing,’’ Sen. Gill said in a condolence statement.Arrow, whose real name was Alphonsus Cassell, had been ailing for more than two years with a brain tumour. Early last week he was transferred from Montserrat to Antigua, seeking medical care.
But Arrow – whose other hit songs include “Hot, Hot, Hot’’ and Groove Master’’ – did not remain in hospital in Antigua for long. He returned to his homeland on Monday and died less than 48 hours later.
Sen. Gill expressed the condolences of the Grenadian cultural fraternity to Arrow’s family and friends on the calypsonian’s passing.
“Arrow must be credited for breaking barriers and reaching new places with his music,’’ the Senator said.
“He is well-known not just around the region but around the world. His contribution to the development of the art form and to the cultural industry in the Caribbean should not, and cannot go, unnoticed. I think it is quite fitting that we should pay homage to a great Caribbean son.’’
Sen. Gill also commended Arrow for using his stardom to promote Caribbean integration.
“Even when he was ill, one remembers his performance when President Obama came to Trinidad,’’ Sen. Gill recalled. “He has definitely made his contribution to the advancement of Caribbean people.’’
The Junior Culture Minister also referred to Arrow as a model of what can be achieved through hard work and talent.
“He is definitely an inspiration,’’ said Sen. Gill, “not just to people in the arts, but also for people who were probably born disadvantaged in small communities, to know that they can fulfil their potential and achieve whatever they want to achieve, once they put their mind to it.’’
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