CHARLESTOWN, Nevis (January 15th 2010) - The reigning National Calypso Monarch Sylvester ‘King Socrates’ Hodge was in Nevis yesterday (Jan. 14) to present an EC$420 cash donation to Pink Lily, which was raised during a concert held at Sprat Net in honor of Valentine Drew who died of cancer last July.
Socrates said the tribute concert attracted a small audience due to a horse racing event and the political rallies held that day. He said he would in future organize fundraising events to support Pink Lily activities. He also said a DJ had donated EC$20 that made the donation EC$400. “Socrates” who has won five national crowns.
The National Calypso Monarch, who has won five crowns during his career, said a lot of awareness creation was required to ensure that people diagnosed with cancer did not suffer in silence. He revealed that his fallen band member, a percussionist, had not disclosed his health status. At the time of his death, Socrates explained, the band was informed that he had been undergoing surgery in Barbados, only to be informed later that he died of cancer.
“It was not breast cancer, of course, but I remember he was a chain smoker,” Socrates added.
One of the songs Socrates sang to compete for the crown focused on health, ‘The Real Health Scare’, in which he highlighted four major silent killers - diabetes, stroke, hypertension and heart failure.
Socrates further said that his band member died at the age of 60. He said he has often been approached by persons affected by cancer seeking donations to finance treatment for their loved ones.
“Let us focus on raising awareness and raising funds. The lack of medical insurance is a reality,” he said.
Kittitian-born Brenda Clarke, a breast cancer survivor, also made a presentation and spoke about her experience with breast cancer to the modest audience.
