Tributes continue to flow in for world-acclaimed Trinidadian dancer, choreographer, actor, designer and painter Geoffrey Holder, 84, who died of pneumonia on Sunday evening, even as his family planned a fitting farewell for him. Arts and Multiculturalism Minister Dr Lincoln Douglas said the nation had lost a favoured son.
“For me I have nothing but admiration for his work, as it had to do with his pioneering spirit in the field of arts and culture, especially at a time when we in T&T were not that savvy of those fields. Artistes like Holder made a significant impact in a wide range of disciplines; in art, film, dance, not just locally and regionally, but worldwide.
“His passing is a tangible, symbolic loss to our nation. For us in the ministry we will look forward to doing something to honour the memory of Geoffrey and his brother Boscoe.” Yesterday, dancer, painter, calypsonian and comedian Bill Trotman said: “Geoffrey Holder was my mentor and his death has hit me very hard. “All the work I have done—my art work, singing, dancing—were turned on by Geoffrey Holder.
“The first time I ever saw him dance I was about 17 years old and that was in the Port-of-Spain Hospital. He, Julia and Stretch Cox were dancing and that left a lasting impression on me to become a dancer. The next time I saw him was in Poisson Rouge at Little Carib Theatre. Then I saw his paintings.
“Geoffrey, my father and Mr Boothman used to live in the same area in Corbeaux Town. We grew up sorta togetherish. He inspired me to try to get into the Art Society, in which they did everything, painting, singing and dancing. “His death hurts me a lot. He was a very special kind of human being.”
Playwright, actor and the star of local movie Bim, Ralph Maraj, said: “It is sad to know Geoffrey has departed. He was clearly a trailblazer of phenomenal talent; a versatile man, skilled in various fields. He was a dancer and choreographer but was also a very impressive actor and visual artist. “I saw him in the James Bond movie as Baron Samedi, a very towering presence with a unique booming voice. I didn’t have the privilege of seeing him on stage as an actor but I’m sure he was quite amazing.”
Veteran dancer/choreographer Linda Pollard Lake, Danse Assemble artistic director, said: “I had the pleasure of being in Geoffrey Holder’s company in the living room in a small house in Belmont, where his brother Boscoe lived many years ago, when he visited Trinidad. “It was a terrific and unforgettable experience to be in his presence. I sat in awe and never said a word. I was completely dumbfounded by the power of the man.
“It was like being in a class at the feet of a teacher as he spoke about the arts and dancing. He eventually took me aside and said, ‘My dear, you must never let them know your mystery.’ I have never forgotten that encounter.”