Dominica’s Musical Icon Laid to Rest

By Mara Etienne-Manley

 

Jeff Joe’s family and friends have finally bid farewell to the Cadence-lypso singer at the end of an unprecedented week and a half of mourning.  On Saturday, thousands gathered at the St Joseph Roman Catholic Church to pay their last respects to the 58 year old Dominican musical ambassador who died at Le Meynard Hospital in Martinique on November 23. Also in attendance were Dominica’s Head of State, His Excellency Dr Nicholas J Liverpool and Mrs Liverpool, government officials, musicians and a large contingent of mourners from the French Overseas Territories.

 

Family members and cadence-lypso fans wore t-shirts bearing the photo of Dominica’s Goodwill Ambassador, Jefferson Osbert Sylvester Joseph. Many congregated inside the church to full capacity, while others braved the weather under a tent outside, to celebrate Jeff Joe’s life and be part of his final farewell.

Family and Friends at Jeff Joe’s Official funeral service in St Joseph on Saturday

 

With second-by second live coverage on local and French television stations and thousands listening via the radio and internet, it was obvious that there was nothing run-of-the-mill about Jeff Joe’s funeral service.

 

The day had been declared by Cabinet as a National Day of Mourning, with flags flown at half-mast on all public buildings in Dominica. The Official ceremony began at 2:30 pm, with a tribute to Jeff Joe by his daughter LaCajah Joseph who resides in the US. Miss Joseph read a heart-rending poem on behalf of her mother, Carol, who was unable to attend the ceremony.

 

Alleyne Syliva Joseph (Jeff Joe’s sister) with LaCajah Joseph (daughter of the late Jeff Joe)

 

“These are my words that I would like to express about Jeff. Most definitely not in the past tense, but here and now. The Jeff that we know as a stand-up man, a man of diplomacy, a man of principle, a man of honor, a man of decency, a man of righteousness, a man of spirit and most of all, a man of love.”

 

This was the moment that reduced hundreds to tears. At this point during the emotional tribute to her father, LaCajah had to pause and compose herself before continuing, “Jeff is the go-getter and gentleman that I will always cherish throughout my lifetime. I am happy for my acceptance to be a part of this family and I will cherish and love you throughout my life, Jah love always, Jeff.”

 

Jeff Joe’s coffin draped in a Dominican flag

 

LaCajah’s poem was followed by the eulogy, read by Jeff Joe’s sister, Alleyne Sylvia Joseph. Miss Joseph highlighted Jeff’s musical journey which began in the early 1970’s as lead singer in the Grammacks Band. A pioneer of a Cadence-lypso music, Jeff Joe and his band quickly gained international recognition, boosting their career as professional musicians. His musical career was peppered with a string of great gigs with renowned bands such as American jazz group ‘Cool and the Gang’ and impressive performances at the NFL Super Bowl in Miami in 1972, followed by the Tour de France, an annual international cycle race across the European country.

 

As his career progressed, Jeff Joe was embraced by the French people around the world for his musical genius, and in 1977 his band received the Meritorious Service Award in Dominica for its contribution to preserving and promoting Cadence music.

 

This homage to Dominica’s Creole musical ambassador, touched the hearts of many, and the emotion from the public was genuine. The service lasted approximately two hours, with Scripture readings by Jeff’s uncle, Emmanuel Joseph Sylvester and Guadeloupean-based, Mawj Joseph, son of the deceased.  The homily was presented by Bishop of Roseau, His Lordship Gabriel Malzaire.

 

Dominica’s lady of song Ophelia Marie sang My Life is In Your Hands -the Communion Meditation song which was followed by a special rendition in French.

Following the Official church service, Jefferson Osbert Sylvester Joseph, known to many, simply as ‘Jeff Joe’ was laid to his final resting place in the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Cemetery, alongside another great community cricket icon, the late Kaleb Laurent. Jeff Joe will forever be remembered as the man who stole the hearts of many with his stage personality and Cadence-lypso favourites like "Soucouyant,"  and "Mi Deba".

 

May his soul Rest In Peace.