The Tribune

TRIBUTES poured in yesterday from both PLP and FNM as the country continues to mourn the death of one of the founding members of the Valley Boys Junkanoo Group, Winston “Gus” Cooper.

Mr Cooper died at the age of 73 – days after his beloved Valley Boys won both the Boxing Day and New Year’s Junkanoo parades.

He had in recent months undergone brain surgery and was recuperating at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Florida.

Prime Minister Perry Christie, who recently led the Valley Boys in their Boxing Day victory, said he was dedicating his performance in the China themed event to Mr Cooper.

Yesterday PLP chairman Bradley Roberts described Mr Cooper as a “cultural and sports icon” who played a significant role in the transformation of Junkanoo into a major tourism attraction of world renown.

“I first meet Gus in the late 1960’s when we attended the Eastern Senior School which was headed by his brother-in-law Donald Webster Davis. Fellow classmates included Prime Minister Perry Christie and Angela Knowles Achara. Gus’ general mild mannered demeanour belied his fiercely competitive nature when it came to Junkanoo and his Valley Boys. Winners of numerous Junkanoo parades, the perennial rivalry between the Valley Boys and the Saxon Superstars during the Boxing Day and New Year’s Junkanoo parades is legendary and establishes friendly bragging rights for the rest of the year.

“Yes, Gus’ fingerprints and footprints on the cultural identity of the Bahamas will stand as a memorial to future generations of a giant who will forever cast a shadow over the Bahamas within the precincts of cultural development. Several months after his retirement from the Public Service, Gus called to tell me that he was bored and wished to be re-engaged to remain active. He chose the Bahamas Telecommunications Telephone Directory.

“The double victory of the Christmas 2013 and New Year’s 2014 Junkanoo parades by Winston ‘Gus‘ Cooper’s Valley Boys was a most fitting send off to one of the Bahamas’ finest sons and National Heroes. You have run the good race Gus; you stayed the course and you were faithful to the end. Take your well deserved rest my brother and receive your just reward,” Mr Roberts said.

FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis also extended his condolences to Mr Cooper’s family and the entire Valley Boys Junkanoo Group on the passing of one of its founding members.

He said that the Free National Movement joined the nation in mourning the loss of a “cultural icon” who had dedicated his life to culture and assisted in the explosive growth that we see today in junkanoo.

“To the Cooper family, please know that you are in our prayers. May God be with you during this very difficult time,” he added.

Condolences were also extended to Mr Cooper’s wife Cassandra, his children, grandchildren, siblings, the Valley Boys Family, the entire Junkanoo community and other members of the family.