Wizards lose Mas stalwart

The Cingular Wizards Mas Camp has promised to win their 2005 mas presentation, “Wishes” for their now deceased mas band member, Jamil Abdul Samad who passed away on Friday June 10.

Band leader Daniel Williams said they had a “drink up” to celebrate his 52nd birthday that same week, but that Samad’s blood sugar and pressure must have been high because on Thursday he did not look his usual self and he was seen staggering at times. {{more}}

Samad was taken to the hospital after he complained of being ill the Thursday night and passed away the next day. Williams sadly explained, “He was just there the night before but now he’s gone, it’s hard. He was rushed to the hospital at around 9 p.m. the Friday night. Samad was my right hand man; he came up with the name of the 2005 presentation called “Wishes.” He was always good at things like that.”

Since the passing, Williams has been carrying on the Cingular Wireless Wizards Mas camp, and admitted that it has been rough. He explained that from the sad countenance on everyone in the mas tent, carrying on would not be easy, but they would win this year for Samad.

Reminiscing on Samad’s life, Williams said, “After carnival we would have cook-ups and talk about mas. He had a good memory of the history of carnival and could answer any kind of question, even from way back in the 70’s. I don’t know what would happen next year because losing Jamil is real rough, real rough. He was a nice quiet very humorous person and he ate, slept, drank and talked mas. He wanted to win and never felt that anyone could beat Wizards. We were all geared up to win this year and they have everything in motion to bring back the tittle, but this is now a real set back”

Jamil Abdul Samad was well known and worked as a security guard at the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) in the early 80s to the 90s and later worked at Young Island.

Many persons described him as a very patriotic, plain minded man who spoke his mind up front, whether win or lose. He still had a love for carnival. The 52-year-old mas man was originally from Rose Place, but was living at Fair Hall.

Williams said since 1988 he hasn’t played mas but would play this year and dedicate it to Samad and the camp would be paying tribute to him in this year’s production. He noted that some former masquerades have been returning to pay tribute to Samad.

Some of the sections for Cingular Wireless mas presentation for 2005 include Joy, Peace, Happiness, Tranquillity, Victorious and Serenity. In 1980 the band won with “Visions,” in 1988 with “Dreams,” Paradise in 1989″ and in 2000 “Expressions.”

Meanwhile, Production Manager, Adaih Providence said that he is proud of the sponsors Cingular Wireless for supporting the band for Vincy mas and through their loss.