The community of Belle Vue is often described by many as the culture capital of Saint Lucia. Among the proud products from the community are the folk band Avot Sevis, Gregory Sinaise, Author/Poet Angela O’Brien, Vieux Twizin Boys, Escape band, Groovy Soca Monarch Sly and the late Rameau Poleon. Many more have come from the quaint community in the south of the island.
On Sunday December 1, one of the culture icons of Belle Vue will be celebrated. His name is Patrick Bernadin more popularly known as Gilo who happens to be the uncle of Sly.
A tribute concert honouring Gilo will be held at the Belle Vue combined school grounds from 2 pm, Sunday. The event will feature Avot Sevis, Sly, the Eastern Folk Band, Gregory Sinaise, Tambou Mele, the Soufriere Action Theatre, Belle talent dancers, Angella O’brien, Escape Band, Al the Artiste and the Vieux Fort North La Rose group.
According to Kendal Elva, a spokesperson for the organising team, Gilo has made an invaluable contribution to the cultural landscape of Belle Vue and Saint Lucia.
“He grew up in a musical family, led by his father and at a tender age he developed an interest in music and as such learnt to play the guitar and the African drums,” Elva told St. Lucia Times.
“He is best known for his singing prowess during the La Rose season, where he is always in high demand to perform at various seances and at the national La Rose festival,” Elva says.
Gilo is the lead singer of the Vieux Fort North La Rose Group group, the Kwi folk band and a member of the popular group Avot Sevis.
He is a skilled composer and singer of Conte,’ regularly performing at wakes in Belle Vue and other communities. “Gilo is also a famed story teller and does an excellent job as an MC during woulay labar games. In his younger days he was also an actor so indeed, he has made a great contribution to art and culture in Saint Lucia,” Elva told St. Lucia Times.
“So it is against this backdrop that Avot Sevis is collaborating with the Folk Research Centre and the department of Creative Industries to celebrate his immense contribution to the arts and culture here,” he further explained.
“It is also a way of saying thank you to Gilo and giving him his flowers while he is still alive. And so Avot Sevis is very pleased to invite all Saint Lucians to come down to Belle Vue on Sunday to celebrate the contributions of Gilo who is undoubtedly one of our cultural icons,” Elva stated.
