T&T – Call for Grand Stand to Be Renamed for The Mighty Sparrow 

Veteran Trinidad and Tobago promoter Randy Glasgow has renewed his call for the Grand Stand at the Queen’s Park Savannah to be renamed in honor of calypso legend Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, following the entertainer’s death at age 91.

Glasgow first proposed the tribute several months ago and has now urged authorities to give the idea renewed consideration. He called for the venue to be officially renamed the Mighty Sparrow Grand Stand as a lasting recognition of the calypsonian’s contribution to Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural life.

The renewed appeal comes as the country continues to consider ways to honor Sparrow, who died in New York on September 27 following a brief illness. Port of Spain Mayor Chinua Alleyne said the city corporation’s caucus is expected to discuss possible tributes to the cultural icon.

Alleyne described Sparrow as a “son of the soil” and said he had been part of the capital’s lifeblood for decades. He pointed to Sparrow’s existing statue at the St. Ann’s Roundabout, near the city’s boundary, as one of the public tributes that already recognizes his connection to Port of Spain.

Sparrow, who was born in Grand Roy, Grenada, in 1935 and moved to Trinidad and Tobago as a young child, became one of the most influential figures in calypso. He rose to prominence in 1956 with “Jean and Dinah,” which earned him both the Calypso King and Road March titles.

He went on to win the Calypso King and Road March crowns eight times each and built an international career spanning more than six decades. His music addressed Caribbean politics, social issues, humor and everyday life, helping bring Trinidad and Tobago’s calypso tradition to audiences around the world.

Sparrow received several of Trinidad and Tobago’s highest national honors, including the Hummingbird Medal Silver in 1969, Chaconia Medal Gold in 1993 and Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in 2014. The University of the West Indies also awarded him an honorary doctorate in 1987.

The proposal to rename the Grand Stand remains under consideration. It comes as the national government and local authorities develop broader plans to commemorate Sparrow’s legacy, including an official state-assisted funeral and a national tribute.