The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

YOUTH, Sports and Culture Minister Dr Daniel Johnson yesterday outlined plans to memorialise the life and work of two of the country’s most renowned “cultural giants” - entertainer Franklyn “Count Bernadino” Ellis and Junkanoo pioneer, Brian “Sir Boldy” Gibson.

Speaking during a press conference at his ministry, Dr Johnson said the lives of the men should be used to tell the narrative of Bahamian history. Stories he insisted should be remembered, shared and celebrated by all Bahamians.

“The story of the Bahamas is best told and best remembered through its art history and these . . .men have done a great job in their presentation of what they thought their interpretation of the story was,” he said.

“It will be tremendous for others to study their work, you know the body of work by ‘Count Bernadino’ was a pretty serious body of work and it is now up to us to begin studying his work because in it, there are treasures to be found.”

Dr Johnson said ministry officials have partnered with family and friends to arrange memorial services that would capture the lives and legacies of both men.

According to culture officials, the funeral service for “Count Bernadino” will be held at the Church of God auditorium on Saturday at 10 am.

The first of two memorial services for the musician will take place this evening at 7 o’clock at the Shirley Street National Performance Arts Centre.

The event is being slated as a night of culture and will include musical presentations, performances and recollections by family and friends.

The other memorial, which has been exclusively organised by family members, is scheduled for Thursday at Lutheran Church on JFK Drive.

Anita Elizabeth Ellis, the musician’s daughter, said the event will give members of the public a chance to recall the impact the entertainer has had on them.

She said that above all, her father would want fans to remember him for his mastery of music and his ability to tell an authentic Bahamian story over the course of a song.

Ms Ellis said that skill is clear in most of her father’s songs.

The music portfolio of “Count Bernadino” boasts more than 60 tracks, all written, performed or covered by the celebrated entertainer.

“Count Bernadino”, 92, died in hospital on July 23 after a long illness.

On Friday at 7pm, there will be a memorial service for Mr Gibson at the site many Junkanoo enthusiasts consider the heart of the festival, Rawson Square.

Meanwhile, funeral service arrangements for Mr Gibson have been made with the Hill View Seventh-day Adventist Church for Sunday.

Mr Gibson, who died late last month, was best known for his role as grand-marshal for both the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades in

the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000s.

He was a member of the Valley Boys and the founder of the Vikings Junkanoo group.