Dominica PM Roosevelt Skerrit expresses grief on passing of The Caribbean Man Black Stalin

Dominica: Leroy Calliste, popularly known as Black Stalin by his fans, left the world at the age of 81 on December 28, 2022. This news shook the world, especially Trinidad and Tobago, the place from where Stalin hailed. He was born on September 24, 1941, in south Trinidad.

Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, has expressed his heartfelt condolence towards family, fans and loved ones Leroy Calliste, the Black Stalin.

While sharing the message of grief, PM Roosevelt Skerrit stated that the Government and people of Dominica are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Leroy Calliste, the Black Stalin and extend sincere condolences to his family, the music fraternity, the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago.

His message on social media further conveyed that while Stalin was of Trinidadian nationality, he was the Caribbean Man, claimed by the whole Caribbean as one who supported the region and the cause of the Black Race. He was an oral historian of our regional society and politics whose superbly crafted lyrics and melodies will endure as a testament to the life, culture and times of our region and its people.

He stated that whether Stalin was singing of the injustices of apartheid as in Bun Dem; calling for us to understand, preserve and protect the value of our intellectual property as in Pan Maker; urging our effort, confidence and hope as in, We Can Make It If We Try, and Better Days Are Coming; speaking on behalf the plight of the poor, as in Sufferers; Stalin’s lyrics were insightful, biting and powerful.

As per the post by the Prime Minister of Dominica, Black Man Feeling To Party, like his other party music, was infectious and made listeners sing along, dance or just shake a leg. Like all good art, the lyrics and melodies of his social commentary, as well as his party music, commanded our attention, inspired debate, and moved us to laughter or deep emotion.

PM Skerrit conveyed, “The Caribbean great has passed on. We mourn the loss of the man, Leroy Calliste, but we celebrate the genius of the Black Stalin, his life and his legacy to the people of the Caribbean.”

“May he Rest In Peace,” PM further expressed.