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Steel band icon, Winston Roberts, passes on
The steel band community was thrown into deep mourning following the death of one of their own, Winston Roberts, who departed this life on Saturday last. He was 70.
Winston Roberts
Mr. Roberts worked at the Guyana National Newspapers Ltd. and would also be remembered for his sterling contributions to the development of pan music in Guyana. The quintessential Roberts was also involved in activities in several other sectors in Guyana. He served as an officer in the Guyana Prison Service and subsequently, in 1980, performed the functions of a Disciplinary Sergeant Major (DSM) at the New Opportunity Corps, Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast.
Roberts was also very instrumental in the lives of youngsters incarcerated at the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) and tutored them in the finer arts of boxing. He subsequently commissioned a boxing gym at the Anna Regina Multilateral School but his failing health and lack of adequate support caused him to abandon the venture.
Maybe, from among his many activities, Roberts would most be credited with his contributions to steel pan music. In 1987, he, along with Roy Geddes, traveled to East Africa, to Tanzania and commissioned three steel bands in that country.
Upon his return to Guyana, Robby, as Winston was familiarly called, continued to contribute to local steel pan music. He also continued to assist local amateur boxers whether by advice or at his gym on the Essequibo Coast.
Roberts retired from his job at the NOC in 1996 but returned shortly afterwards to the very position, this time as a contracted officer. Apart from the boxing gym, he also taught music at the Anna Regina Multilateral School for four years.
Subsequently, on September 6 1996, he gave his life to Christ and was baptized at, and subsequently became a member of, the House of Faith Full Gospel Church, Good Hope Essequibo.
Most of Roberts’ colleagues acknowledge his sterling contributions to steel pan music and to their lives in general.
Former Colonel of the Guyana National Service, Sydney Scott, had worked with Roberts at the NOC. He acknowledged the hard work and dedication of his former colleague and felt that his death is truly a sad loss to Guyana.
Popular steel band icon, Roy Geddes, said that Roberts had dedicated his life to the establishment of steel band music in Guyana. He recalled the visit to Tanzania and the enthusiasm demonstrated by Roberts while in that African country. He also feels that the steel band industry as well as Guyana had lost a great stalwart.
“His death is a sore loss,” said Geddes. He further said that despite Roberts’ hard work he was not singled out for any kind of award. “His work was never recognised but he kept on working tirelessly,” said Mr. Geddes.
Roberts leaves to mourn his wife Minerva, nine children, 15 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. The last of his grandchildren, a twin, was delivered just three weeks prior to his death.
A sorrowful Minerva disclosed that the family would be holding a wake dubbed ‘A night of tribute to a musician, pan man, father, friend, counselor and boxing coach.’
Roberts’ remains would be interred on Thursday in the Bush Lot Methodist Churchyard.
The staff of Kaieteur News wishes to convey deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
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