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The La Romaine Main Road took on a Carnival-like atmosphere yesterday during a funeral procession for masman Abzal “Shortman” Shaffie.
Masqueraders in traditional Carnival costumes along with family and friends lined the streets to pay their last respects to Shaffie, a member of The Red Men mas band for 30 years best-known for his traditional Indian portrayals for which he had won many competitions.
Shaffie succumbed to the COVID-19 virus on December 11. He was 57 years old.
Pastor Donaldson Figaro of the Revival Tabernacle in La Romaine, who officiated at the funeral service, said COVID-19 was ravaging countries around the world, but people have to put their trust in God.
“Don’t let fear dominate you. Don’t be surprised if you go and see him (Shaffie) in heaven. You’d be surprised who makes it and who doesn’t to heaven. There are people you expect to make it to heaven and don’t. As I speak to you, the living now is the time to live good,” he said.
Shaffie’s daughter-in-law, Melissa Shaffie, who delivered the eulogy, remembered him for the love he showed to his three children and four grandchildren. She described him as a “dedicated, family-oriented, devoted and, passionate man who spoilt his grandchildren.”
She said his career allowed him to provide for his family and to tour places like Africa, Grenada, Barbados, and Zimbabwe.
Glowing tributes to Shaffie were paid by many others who recalled the great advice he offered and his jovial personality. Research Officer Marilyn Gaymes, of the Carnival Institute of T&T, said Shaffie would be remembered for the sterling contribution he made to the art form as an authentic masquerader.
Pierrot Grenade masquerader Wayne Perrott, who said he lost three of his relatives to COVID-19 this year, commended Shaffie for his “routine, love, and passion.” He said Shaffie was always proud of his work and his portrayals of the Fox Hunter and the Deer Hunter.
“It is not the costume but how you portray the mas, you have to have mas in you,” Perrott said.
