TRIBUTES continue to pour in for Calypsonian Malcolm Corrica, popularly known as Lord Canary, who died on Monday while receiving treatment at the Diamond Diagnostic Hospital, East Bank Demerara.

Family members confirmed that Corrica died on Monday afternoon while undergoing treatment. He had been suffering from diabetes, and had one of his legs amputated some years ago.

The late Malcolm Corrica was born to William and Inez Corrica of Bagotstown Village, East Bank Demerara on March 21, 1937 in Georgetown, and attended the Agricola Methodist School. His life was one of service to Guyana: as a businessman, entertainer and politician.

Mr. Corrica served in the National Assembly of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, representing the Peoples National Congress from January 3, 1969 to December 12, 1985. He returned to the National Assembly on December 27, 1990, and served until August 28, 1992. During his tenure as a Member of Parliament, he served as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Communication; Minister of State in the Ministry of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection; and Minister of State for Culture in the Ministry of Education, Social Development and Culture.

In 1992, he was awarded the Medal of Service (M.S.) for long service with exceptional dedication in the field of politics and popular music, as a composer and entertainer.

TRIBUTES
President David Granger has said in a statement that Guyana mourns the passing of the late Malcolm Corrica.
“His Excellency Brigadier David Granger, MSS, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and the Cabinet of Ministers extend heartfelt sympathy to the children of Malcolm Corrica: Malcolm, Jeffrey and Pamela; and other relatives and close friends.”

The Department of Culture, Youth and Sport of the Ministry of Education (MoE) has also expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of Corrica. “During his illustrious career, Lord Canary has won several Mashramani competitions and has represented Guyana on the international stage with his defying lyrics. His most popular tunes, such as “Cockle,” “A Woman is a Woman”, “Tribute to Woman”, “Wicked Cricket”, “Doctor Beckles” and “The People will Talk”, tell stories of Guyana’s rich culture and have, no doubt, amused many.”

The MoE said Lord Canary’s ascent to the international stage in the early years has set a precedent for the art form (calypso), its enhancement and endurance. This is evident in the yearly calypso competitions held in observance of Mashramani.

“Mr. Corrica also made a recognizable contribution towards the development and sustainability of the Mashramani celebrations while he was Minister of Culture under the LFS Burnham Administration. He also served as a judge for several calypso competitions nationally and regionally. As we prepare to launch the Mash 2017 activities, we, at the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, will endeavour to remember and honour the work and contributions (of) Lord Canary.”

In his book, ‘The Lord Canary’, it was written that as a member of the second Parliament — 1969-1973 –- Corrica, a former member of the People’s National Congress Youth Organisation, forerunner of the YSM, was assigned various projects under the aegis of the Ministry of Works. One of his proudest achievements was overseeing the completion of the Bel-Lu Clay Brick Factory on the West Bank of Demerara. This was Prime Minister Burnham’s trademark local project, and it was a virtual pioneering brand.