The Carnival fraternity is mourning the death of prominent South mas maker and Carnival Queen Wendy Kalicharan.
She died around 1.30 yesterday afternoon at her Harris Street, San Fernando home, where the family also operates the Kalicharan Mas Camp.
Kalicharan, who won the South Queen of the Band ten times and the National Queen of the Band once, had been battling ovarian cancer since June 2023.
Kalicharan Mas, which she co-founded with her husband Ivan Kalicharan more than three decades ago, has copped the Band of the Year title in San Fernando 31 times, including this year with their presentation Aroma.
In a brief interview with Guardian Media yesterday, Kalicharan’s daughter Ayana said she was at her mother’s bedside when she passed away.
“She went peacefully, and I am very, very happy for that—no distress. She wasn’t in any pain. She went peacefully.”
Ayana said her mother was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer.
“She fought the battle strong and hard.”
As she tried to contain her emotions, Ayana said she would like her mother to be remembered as being “full of positivity, creativity, always willing to help those in need.”
She said her mother’s greatest legacy was her significant contribution to San Fernando Carnival.
“I will try my best to ensure that her legacy stays alive,” she pledged.
On her Facebook page, Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin joined the nation in mourning Kalicharan. She described her as an extraordinary woman whose life was devoted to the preservation, elevation, and celebration of culture.
As National Queen of the Bands and the heart behind Kalicharan Mas, Benjamin said Kalicharan’s contributions to Carnival and creative arts were unparalleled.
“She was not only a decorated queen but also a mentor, mother, and cultural matriarch whose influence helped shape the spirit of San Fernando’s Carnival for generations. Wendy embodied grace, strength, and unshakable commitment to the arts.”
San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris also paid tribute to Kalicharan on behalf of the San Fernando City Corporation and citizens. He said Kalicharan’s death was a major loss to the southern city.
“We honour her deep commitment toward the development of our culture, and I cannot underpin how large a loss this is for the City of San Fernando.”
Kalicharan’s friend, Rosemarie Kuru-Jagessar, said her contributions went beyond leading a band.
Describing Kalicharan as her sister, Carnival bandleader and queen maker Jacqui Koon How said she fought the good fight.
“We are so saddened by her passing. It’s a great loss,” said Koon How, who last visited her friend two weeks ago.
Kalicharan is survived by her husband and three children.
