News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Aug. 21, 2024: Legendary musician David (Dave) Anthony Martins was cremated Tuesday at a private funeral service at the Kaashi Dhaam Crematorium, Ruimzeight, West Coast Demerara (WCD), Guyana. His body was later cremated after being lauded by his wife Annette Arjoon and children Alex and Victoria Arjoon as an excellent husband and father.
Annette spoke of the first time she met Dave 15 years ago and married after just one year. With tears, she said, “I was really blessed to have him in my life and to have 15 years of absolute joy and happiness and solitude and today he is in a good place surrounded by friends and family all of you I know love him dearly.”
Alex and Victoria both shared that while Martins was known as a musician, he was a remarkable and incredible father figure. “His incredible wits, his humour and his love for my mom is something I would cherish forever,” Victoria said.
Also addressing those gathered at Tuesday’s solemn ceremony was Ret’d Major General Joseph Singh who shared a close relationship with Martins. He “has served his country with dignity, honour, with love as reflected in his over 300 songs that he produced,” Singh said.
He added that Martins was able to “reach across divides politicians dream to,” as he brought Guyanese together in a patriotic manner while fights for its sovereignty.
Culture, Youth and Sports Minister, Charles Ramson Jnr. in his remarks said it is difficult to ever say good bye to such an exceptional person. “He will never be forgotten. He must never be forgotten and his work and his love through you must also live on forever,” the minister noted.
The iconic artiste was lauded as an ‘Icon of Caribbean Identity’ by President Dr Irfaan Ali who noted that Martins’s legacy will continue to form connections with generations to come through his music, selfless contributions to the cultural sector and his ability to foster national unity.
“We know that this man is not a national asset, every single regional leader as young, as experienced and as young, they all are acquainted with Dave and they see him as a regional man, they value him as a regional man,” the President said in his sentiments expressed at the funeral.
The singer of the “anthem” ‘Not a Blade of Grass’ died on August 18th in Guyana, leaving a profound legacy of musical excellence and cultural contribution. The cause of death was not released publicly. He was 90.
Dave Martins was cremated, but a public memorial will be held at a later date his family announced.
Read more on Dave Martins Famous Guyanese Singer – Dave Martins – Is Dead (newsamericasnow.com).
