Social Devt Minister pays tribute to Dr Roy Cape

Minister of Social Development and Family Services, Senator Donna Cox, has described the late Dr Roy Cape as “a true music stalwart”, as she offered her condolences to his family and the musical fraternity on the national icon’s passing.

Dr Roy Cape had been battling prostate cancer for several years and finally lost the war on Thursday (September 5, 2024) night, at the age of 82 years. 

Tributes and condolences continue to pour in for the musical giant who was a recipient of the Hummingbird Medal (Gold).

“Dr Cape, a recipient of the Hummingbird Medal (Gold), was not only a celebrated musician but also a key figure in the promotion of soca and calypso music in Trinidad and Tobago and internationally,” Minister Cox said in a statement.

“Dr Cape’s music, particularly through his band, Roy Cape All Stars, and the unmistakable sound of his saxophone,” she remarked, “brought immense pride to our nation and gained international recognition.”

She added: “I am confident that his legacy, which spanned more than fifty years, will continue to live on.”

Minister Cox pointed to the Ministry’s initiatives to support national icons such as the Special Achievers Grant, of which Dr Cape was a recipient.

“His contributions were recognized by the Ministry through the Special Achievers Grant, which provides eligible nationals with financial assistance in acknowledgment of their outstanding service to national development” Minister Cox said.

“The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services joins the music and cultural fraternity, as well as the entire nation of Trinidad and Tobago, in extending our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and loved ones of the legendary musician and cultural stalwart, Dr Roy Francis Cape,” she added.

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