peter.christopher@guardian.co.tt
After more than a month in hospital, soca artiste Dexter “Blaxx” Stewart is back at home.
His manager, Giselle Gellineau-Penrose confirmed to Guardian Media that D’All Stars lead vocalist was discharged yesterday from the Eric Williams Medical Science Centre where he underwent surgery a week and a half ago.
“He is resting comfortably at home,” said Gellineau-Penrose.
It was the second operation the singer had undergone at the Mount Hope Hospital in the past two months.
Stewart had only been discharged from hospital last month, after undergoing surgery in relation to kidney treatment.
This prompted fellow soca artiste and disc-jockey Dawg E Slaughter to launch a charity drive for the “Leh Go” and “Hulk” singer which became a GoFundMe account that raised over US$20,000 to date.
“We are indeed grateful of all the financial help received from everyone,” said, Gellineau-Penrose.
“He wants to thank all his fellow artistes—Fayann, Bunji, Machel, Iwer, Kes, and all the other artistes who showed their support be it financial, through phone calls, messages. The love shown was overwhelming. Special thanks to Lady Montano as well.”
Days after being discharged from hospital in October, Blaxx was rushed to Medical Associates in St Joseph after he complained about having trouble breathing.
He had been at the facility until being transferred to Mt Hope where the latest procedure was undertaken.
Meanwhile, there was more good news for the entertainment industry locally as acclaimed steelband arranger Len “Boogsie” Sharpe and dialect poet Paul Keens Douglas are among 14 people across the region who will receive honorary degrees from the University of the West Indies at its 2020 graduation ceremonies.
The ceremonies are scheduled to take place from January 11–16.
Sharpe is being awarded a Doctor of Letters (DLitt) for steelpan arrangement, composition, and performance and Keens-Douglas for his work in culture and the arts.
The UWI graduations will be in a mix of blended, virtual formats in celebration of graduating class of approximately 8,500 students across the region.
The honorary doctorates are in keeping with a tradition of recognising Caribbean excellence in a wide variety of fields such as music, theatre, public service, medicine, agricultural science and entrepreneurship among others. The awards were approved by the University Council, which has sanctioned over 500 honorary degrees since 1965.
—with reporting by Suzanne Sheppard