Mas icon gets festive send off

Cultural icon, David Julian ‘Peling’ Pollard, was sent off on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in a festive procession to the Kingstown cemetery, following his funeral service at the Wilson Hill New Testament Church of God. The funeral procession was accompanied by singing and drumming as mourners accompanied Pilling for the final time.

At the church, Pollard’s five children paid him tribute. Jovannie Pollard, the youngest, said he remembers his father as “the motivation in my life”, while the youngest daughter, Julianna Pollard, said he was joyful and his “infectious smiles and laughter were the highlight of every family gathering, turning even the dullest moments into cherished memories”. Julianna said when she looks at some of his earlier costume designs, she is reminded of his “unwavering zest for life and abundance of love he shared with his family and friends”.

The eldest daughter, Jolicia Pollard, described the creative icon as humble, and one who was slow to anger, but also hard to get calm in the rare times he became upset.

“Talking to my father was like talking to a wise sage who has all the answers to my many questions about life.” She noted that her daughter has an artistic gift that she will nurture.

Jolicia recalled the hours her father stayed up with her while she was pursuing paralegal studies, a recollection supported by her brother and Peling’s oldest child, Jamal David Julian Pollard. He said he can vividly remember his dad paying close attention to Jolicia’s work, ensuring that everything was okay.

Jamal described his father as a legend. “David Julian Peling Pollard is, and will forever be a legend. I can’t begin to count the accolades and accomplishments this talented, exceptional man has achieved.”

The son also paid tribute to his father as not only a cultural legend, but also a legendary father who was devoted to his children, no matter how busy.

“With each of my siblings, and especially his grand kids…he loved each and every one of his grand kids, and even though my kids never came to St Vincent, he would always reach out,” the son said, as he recalled his dad calling his daughter on her graduation.

Pollard’s second son, Jerel, said for him, “This man was my world….The man, the myth, the legend, the greatest man I’ll ever know in my life.”

He said his “pops” was generous to anyone with whom he made contact, and though he isn’t the oldest of the children, Jerel promised to always look out for his siblings.

The funeral ceremony also heard tributes from various groups, government departments, and other individuals.

They included Cultural Officer, Maxine Browne; Terrence Dublin from the National Society for Persons with Disabilities; representatives from the Department of Adult and Continuing Education; SVG Players International, the band Peling led; and Minister of Culture, Carlos James, who did the eulogy in which he promised to do something to remember Peling as the cultural icon he was.

Pollard passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Colleagues said he had decided to take things slow this carnival season as he was facing some health issues.