Tributes are still pouring in for veteran Lionel Jagessar, who died at his home in San Fernando earlier today.
San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello posted:
I have just returned from the home of Lionel Jaggersar Snr, who passed peacefully this morning.
“Lio” as he was fondly known was a giant in his field, his passing has left a void in the carnival fraternity that would be hard to fill. Our city has lost a great city.
On behalf of the City of San Fernando, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife Rose, Lionel Jnr and the rest of his family in their time of grief.
May he find eternal rest.
In a statement shared on Facebook, Lost Tribe Creative Director Valmiki Ramlagan said the Jagessars have been a part of Carnival “for as long as I have known Carnival itself.
“While making my way through the alleys of design and inspiration as a young designer, Mr. Right Time,” he posted.
“I will always remember visiting their home and walking through his workshop filled with beauty, history and stories in every corner. His work and his family’s work are works of art…he left a legacy of long after. I will remember him for his kindness and dedication to our culture, always.”
Photographer Maria Nunes also paid tribute to the cultural icon.
“Tears are in my eyes and heart to learn of the death of Lionel Jagessar Snr this morning at his home in San Fernando,” she posted. “He was always so welcoming, so warm, so generous. It was a privilege to know him. He was truly a giant in the traditional Mas community. The fantastic Indian Mas has lost a true master of tradition. My heart goes out to him. his loving wife Rosemarie, his son Lionel Jagessar Jr and their entire family.”
Kalicharan Carnival posted: “We join the mas fraternity and culture of Trinidad and Tobago in mourning the loss of a mas icon; Lionel Jagessar Senior. Lionel will be fondly remembered as one of San Fernando’s most iconic traditional Indian mas designers. condolences go out to his wife and his entire family and the entire team at Lionel Jagessar & Associates.”
Lionel Jagessar died at his home this morning after not feeling well for several days.
The veteran Mas man is internationally recognized as a pioneer of Indian Mas.
