Glowing tribute was paid to Laventille community leader, ex-senator, teacher and mentor, Hamlet “Yaxsie” Joseph, when friends, family and former colleagues assembled at the Highlanders Pan Theatre in Laventille yesterday.
Joseph died on September 6 at the age of 88.
He was known nationally for his role as a member of the Tapia House Group that entered the Senate in 1974 following the defection of People’s National Movement (PNM) MP, the late Roy Richardson, and his appointment of an opposition bench under Tapia leader Lloyd Best.
Master of ceremonies for the event, Tapia co-founder Lloyd Taylor described Joseph as a “change agent” who went about his business with grace and charm. Reminiscences also came from the last-surviving Tapia senator, Ivan Laughlin, who, among other things, related the group’s negotiation of a revised dress code for the chamber.
Laughlin related that despite strong reservations by then-Senate President, Wahid Ali, it was decided to allow the group’s trademark shirt jac suits in the chamber. However, he stopped short on the question of sandals without socks. This drew chuckles on an otherwise sombre occasion.
Close friend and neighbour Claude Shields reminded the gathering of Joseph’s love for the steelpan and his role as a skilled neighbourhood barber. He said Joseph also played a key “educational role” among the young people of his community.
Similar accolades came from Highlanders manager, Robert Hernandez, who credited Joseph with successfully leading efforts to acquire the lease for the property on which the steelband headquarters currently stand. He also described the late activist as “a dreamer” but, one who always had a plan to realise his dreams.
Opio Morani, who delivered the eulogy, described Joseph as “a man of ideas” who was capable of maintaining stoic calm even at turbulent times. Morani was himself a Tapia activist and close associate of Joseph’s.
Tributes also came from Joseph’s son, Marlon Bridgeman and other friends, neighbours, and associates.
Joseph was the son of Venezuela-born Matilda and Joseph Francis and the husband of the late Jenifer Joseph. He leaves to mourn his brother Evans, and his children Achebe, Marlon, and Carinta.