Hundreds of people paid their final respects to much loved cultural trailblazer, Justin ‘Hero’ Cassell, during his home-going ceremony on Saturday, 23 March.
Friends, family and community members gathered alongside government officials from both Montserrat and Antigua at Montserrat Cultural Centre in Little Bay to say their goodbyes.
Officiating the three-hour long memorial, which was broadcast live to thousands of mourners at home and abroad, was Father Boniface Kavita.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees gave tributes on stage and through video message to Cassell, describing him fondly as a man with multiple passions.
Speakers said he was an agriculturalist, entertainer, political advisor and cultural ambassador, who had a deep love for his home of Montserrat.
A man of many talents
Cassell’s life was multi-faceted, attendees learned.
He had passion for agriculture, taught the subject at Montserrat Secondary School, and had a close working relationship with the Department of Agriculture.
The talented musician was renowned in the arts and culture field as the composer, entertainer, calypso monarch and Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Calypso King.
His songs dealt with social issues and many became popular hits globally, including, ‘Tiney Winey’, ‘High Cost of Living’, ‘Back to the Land’, ‘Whey de Galvanize Gone’, and ‘Under Age’.
He served as the lead coordinator of St Patrick’s Day Festival for many years and was also a pioneer in establishing the Christmas Lighting Programme in the 1990s.
Cassell was appointed island project manager of the Montserrat Media Project, press officer and public relations officer in the Office of the Chief Minister.
He also featured prominently in the organisation and planning of several initiatives geared towards promoting Montserratian nationalism.
These included the National Song Selection, the National Motto Competition and the Lookout Streets’ Signage Project.
Cassell died after an illness in the United Kingdom aged 80 on 5 February.
A cultural icon and musical genius
Offering the first tribute of the afternoon, on behalf of the Government of Montserrat, was Premier Joseph E Farrell, who described it as a “very solemn and reflective moment”.
“Justin, a true Montserratian, dedicated his life to serving his country,” he said.
“His contribution in agriculture, the art forms, project management and public relations far surpassed our expectations as he ventured into areas where others would have been afraid to enter.”
Farrell described Cassell as a risk taker who was never afraid to try something new, as well as a “cultural icon”.
“His efforts were far-reaching, developing young Calypsonians on Montserrat and across the OECS,” Farrell said.
“His willingness to assist calypsonians, even those competing against him to develop their craft on stage and in writing to improve their appeal to listeners must be highlighted.”
Jermaine Wade, speaking on behalf of the Montserrat Arts Council, said Cassell was a “genius and a lyrical mastermind whose “sweet voice and recordings transcend beyond his years on this Earth”.
He said he was an esteemed figure and his legacy has left an indelible mark on the cultural tapestry of Montserrat, adding that his “profound contributions have resonated deeply with many”.
A family man
Cheryln Hogan, acting principal of Montserrat Secondary School, told attendees he had a “near miraculous” way with the children and was able to convince them that agriculture was interesting and fun.
She said he became a close friend and confidante, and encouraged everyone to continue to honour him by observing his love and respect for the land, the children and cultural heritage.
Former premier Reuben T Meade, who also offered a tribute, described Cassell, who supported his political journey, as his “brother and friend”.
“Hero has inspired so many not only in politics but in so many other aspects of life,” he said, adding that he was a “no-nonsense family person”.
“Hero would also give his all, going above and beyond to help you once you were one of his people,” Meade said.
The politician said his last conversation with Cassell was a week before his death when he told Meade “we going to do it”.
“In my heart, I knew that he would never return in person but I know that he died thinking of the betterment of Monserrat,” he said.
Unforgettable memories
Cassell’s brother Lorenzo said growing up with him was a blessing, full of “riveting stories and rich unforgettable memories”.
He said as youngsters they had many adventures and a “good dose of childhood mischief”, with Justin being the most mischievous of all of the nine siblings.
When they became teens, they immersed themselves in calypso and Lorenzo described his brother as the “magnetic centre of any space”.
“He kept everyone fully glued and humorously entertained,” he said, adding: “Justin, you are well loved and will be sorely missed.”
Others offering tributes included Opposition Leader Paul Lewis, Antigua and Barbuda’s prime minister Gaston Browne, Oswald ‘Ozie Bluu’ Carty, Myrle Roach, Brenda Cassell, and many more.
Among those contributing video performances in tribute to Cassell were the Alliouagana Singers with the hymn ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’, and William ‘Bubbalicious’ Galloway who read a poem.
Following the service, mourners went to Lookout Cemetery where Cassell was laid to rest, before attending a concert back at Montserrat Cultural Centre in his honour.
Click on the video below to watch the service in full:
