I don't known if anyone is familiar with union man "Chick" Townsend. I first met him as a player in Essex when I just left school. real nice dude. He also played for Lavenntille Youths. And was a Starlitf pan man. He was related to Linton Corbie(Saints man). Rest in Peace "Chick". Your journey on this "Wretched Earth" is over. God Bless.
http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-05-03/%E2%80%98servant-people%E2%80%99-laid-restThe Holy Trinity Cathedral on Hart Street, Port-of-Spain, was packed yesterday with family, friends and well-wishers of the late Lyle Townsend, former secretary-general of the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU). Townsend, 66, died on Friday at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital. He was ailing for some time. The ceremony was a celebration of the life of Townsend. So moved were members of the congregation and speakers that when the current secretary general of the CWU, John Julien, declared that they were making peace with their comrade on his final journey, they broke out into thunderous applause. He then declared Townsend the “undisputed secretary general” of the union. Tributes were also given by Starlift Steel Orchestra (of which Townsend was a member), Douglas Mendes (the union’s lawyer), Robert Linton (industrial relations officer) and the CWU.
All who spoke at yesterday’s service remembered Townsend as a man who stood firmly for what he believed in and who was not easily swayed. Calypsonian Brother Valentino sang his own song, Glory be to the Almighty, Brother Brook did a tribute in rapso and Daryl Reid paid tribute to him in pan. The Rev Knolly Clarke, who officiated, spoke in his homily about Townsend’s tenacity and his ability to stay focused as a leader on his tasks and responsibilities. He said as a leader, Townsend, like Jesus, was a servant of many. Saying T&T was in crisis, he told the trade unionists present that this was an opportunity for transformation. Clarke said people must matter, and people were at the centre of development. Members of government present included Senator David Abdulah, Gender Minister Verna St Rose-Greaves and Speaker of the House of Representatives Wade Mark. Hold the Fort was sung as Townsend’s casket was carried out, with St Rose-Greaves among the bearers. Townsend was laid to rest at Lapeyrouse Cemetery.
