PRESIDENT David Granger has extended heartfelt sympathy to the relatives of Geoffrey Elmenton Phillips, popularly known as the “Mighty Rebel”, who passed away on Thursday, May 31, 2018.

Born on November 7, 1945, Phillips, who has made a sterling contribution to the arts with decades of delivering thought provoking social commentary through the calypso art form, is considered by many Guyanese to be the King of Calypso.

He won the Calypso Monarch Competition six times and was runner up on nine occasions. The Mighty Rebel won his six crowns for the popular “Second hand Man” in 1988, “Dessie You Wrong” (1993), “Political Lie” (1997), “Ask de President” (2001), “Is We Put You Deh” (2007) and “All Awe Know De Man” (2010).

Known for his commitment to ensuring that the art of calypso was passed on to younger generations, Phillips was also instrumental in the establishment of a Drama Group and Steel Orchestra at Wales Sugar Estate.

President Granger extends heartfelt sympathy to his wife, Juliette Statia-Phillips and his 10 children, Geoffrey, Lawrence, Trevor, Owen, Keith, Oreen, Evadnie, Glenfield, Rawn and Raelene as well as other relatives and friends.

(Ministry of the Presidency)