Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Pensioner Rose Parks had loved 79-year-old Selwyn Little for many years, ever since she saw him on television playing Fancy Sailor mas during Carnival.
But just months before they were expected to wed, Little died tragically when a music truck lost control and knocked him down at Cipero Street on Carnival Monday, killing him on the spot.
Speaking to Guardian Media at their Mon Repos home yesterday, Parks recalled how Little always wore the same immaculate uniform when he played mas, his jacket decorated with ribbons, medals, braiding, and other embellishments to match his Fancy Sailor hat.
“It was this same hat he was wearing when a music truck hit him,” Park said between tears as she gazed at the blood stains on Little’s hat during the interview.
Parks said she started taking care of Little a year ago when he fell ill, although she had loved him for many years.
“When I heard he was sick, I came here because I knew I had to take care of him,” she said.
Recalling their last moments together, Parks said she always enjoyed her morning coffee with Little.
“The only thing that was wrong with him was his foot was too hot. He always liked to walk out the road, and I would stay home counting down the hours,” Parks recalled.
She said Little had a passion for Carnival and culture, so everyone catered to him because of his age. When he got tired of dancing the streets, he would have a jeep at his disposal to rest, she added.
Parks said Little had promised to marry her for her birthday in August.
“I will miss him. I will miss our talks, our coffee, everything about him, I would miss,” she whispered.
She remembered how Little would “break style” on her.
“His friend told him that I was in love with him. It’s only now he realised how much,” she added.
Little’s younger sister, Monica Little, who lived with him at his Cipriani Street, Mon Repos home, said he recently started suffering from seizures.
“Before that, we never used to get along so well, but after the seizures he changed and that was my favourite brother. I loved him a lot,” Monica said.
She noted that Little had been quite popular with San Fernandians.
“When we go in the grocery, everybody knew him. He used to wave to everyone,” she revealed.
His other sister, Patricia Little, who came to visit from Alberta, Canada for the Carnival season, said the tragedy was unexpected. She called on band leaders to exercise caution and ensure the safety of all masqueraders.
Meanwhile, Mon Repos/Navet councillor Nigel Couttier said the city had lost one of its favourite masqueraders.
He said Little had been a flag bearer for Jammerz International, a Fancy Sailor band, and despite his age, he enjoyed the festivities.
“His presence during this time of the year was always uplifting. He played a pivotal role in making our Carnival celebrations what they are. His spirit, warmth, and dedication will be greatly missed by all who knew him,” Couttier added.
On Monday, ACP Wayne Mystar said initial reports were that the brakes in the music truck failed. Mystar urged bandleaders to take responsibility for ensuring vehicles are roadworthy, noting that inspections will continue after Carnival.