…Buried in his boots
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – EARLIER today (2. Feb), over 400 individuals from all walks of life and socio-economic background attended the Homegoing Service of RasTamboura Kitwana, which was held at The Gardens Stadium ground in Irish Town, Basseterre, St. Kitts.
The Service began promptly at 3:00 p.m. after the viewing of the body which began at 1:030 p.m.
Following, the formal proceedings, the procession of mourners walked to the Springfield Cemetery, where Ras Tamboura was buried in his signature brown cowboy boots; boots which he was known wear since in the 60s.
Tributes at the Service were paid in the form of songs, dance and spoken words, which included presentations by the Rastafari Nyabingi Theocracy Order, the Ministry of Culture, former members of Ellie Matt and the GI Brass and the GI Brass, as well as others from the music and entertainment fraternity.
Among the Government dignitaries were Minister of Culture Marcella Liburd, Minister of Tourism Senator Richard ‘Ricky’ Skerritt and Nevis’ Vance Amory.
Recently resigned Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor and his wife, Hon. Eugene Hamilton and former Government Minister Dwyer Astaphan were also in attendance.
Former band members who played at the Homegoing Service included Mic Stokes, Ian ‘Patches’ Liburd, Wingrove Hicks, Dawud Mudada Byron, Nigel Williams and Santoy Barrett.
Bankie Banks, a well-known artiste and musician from Anguilla also paid tribute.
In a collective tribute, the former band members gave a high energy performance of Ras Tamboura's hit tune 'Running'.
Following that rendition, those in attendance cheered, clapped and danced in celebration of the deceased's life and music.
Minister Skerritt read the eulogy.
In observation of the large crowd in attendance, Skerritt pointed out that it was evident that the deceased was “respected by people from all walks of life”.
He shared that his relationship with Ras Tamboura began 44 years ago when he became his “adopted brother” in the household with his father Sonny Skerritt and his brother Bruce.
SKNVibes gathered from Skerritt’s presentation that Ras Tamboura had “health problems” over the last two years.
To Skerritt, his adopted brother was “humble and loving”.
Other qualities attributed to his character were fun to be around, selfless and kind.
Director of Culture Creighton Pencheon said the deceased “was patriotic to the bone”.
He informed Ras Tamboura was employed at the Assistant Research and Documentation Specialist at the St. Kitts Department of Culture in 1995, and noted that the deceased had been the “signature voice” of the ‘Under Banyan Tree’ radio programme for the 18 years.
Addressing the bereaved family members, he told that the deceased “was like family and, so we share with you in a real way…your loss”.
His survivors include three daughters, Terresita Allen, Tamaju Kitwana and Tamika Kitwana, and his son Tamboura Kitwana Jr.
Ras Tamboura Kitwana died at the age of 64 at the Joseph N. France General Hospital on Saturday, January 26, which occurred weeks after his birthday anniversary (Jan. 6).
