Musical director, guitarist and creator of the band Imij and Company (originally known as Second Imij), Joey Ng Wai, 54, has died after battling pneumonia.
Ng Wai had been hospitalised on December 29, 2024 at the Intensive Care Unit of the Port-of-Spain General Hospital and had been receiving an outpouring of love and prayers from family and wellwishers before he succumbed to his illness yesterday evening.
His sister Sharon Ng Wai-Pantin had in early January revealed that Ng Wai came down with the flu and had tried to treat it at his Maraval home where he lived alone, but to no avail.
She said he also suffered from sleep apnea, which resulted in his breathing stopping and restarting repeatedly during sleep.
Doctors had said that Ng Wai’s carbon monoxide levels were significantly above healthy levels which affected his lungs.
The family had asked the country to pray for his healing, as he was sedated during his stay at hospital.
Ng Wai’s musical career also saw him play for other bands, including Zoo and Frantic.
Among those mourning his death yesterday evening was founder and CEO of Rosal Music, Roger Salloum, who wrote on Ng Wai’s Facebook page, “It is with great sadness to hear that we’ve lost a friend and fellow musician Joey Ng Wai. The music fraternity has lost a gem. He fought a great battle, but God decided what was best under these very difficult circumstances. Joey was not only a gifted musician, but a wonderful soul whose laughter, personality and spirit uplifted us all. His legacy will live in the hearts of all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace our dear friend.”
