Hesketh Casimir, whose name was for many years synonymous with the Music Lovers Dominica Government Band, has passed away.
Mr. Casimir, a co-founder of Dominica’s longest-existing musical band, died on Sunday, July 31, 2022.
He was 103 years old.
In an article in the “Stay Well and Sparkle” series published on DNO in November 2020, author, Dr. Sam Christian, writes, “Casimir was bestowed to Dominica way back in 1918, coinciding with the cessation of hostilities in WWI. In civilian life, he was best known as the proprietor of Ceebees on Cork Street, the Jays of its day. His most worthy successor, Bandleader, Valena Letang, recalls regularly patronizing the store for the monthly editions of ‘Schoolgirls’ magazine with the same passion today’s youth attach to soap operas and video games.”
Before taking up the mantle of Bandmaster of the Music Lovers Band which later became the Music Lovers Dominica Government, a position which he would hold for forty years and more, Mr. Casimir was the leader of the Casimir Brothers Orchestra in the 1930s and played jazz and other popular music at the legendary Albert Hall.
Dr. Christian recounts in his article on DNO, “In their day, Music Lovers traveled in seatless dumpers on unpaved roads to the outlying villages of the country. Oftentimes, on such trips, they would shelter from [the] rain under the same dusty tarps used to cover aggregate. They endured the inconveniences of travelling on a ‘lighter’ which was towed along the west coast. On several occasions, they crossed the infamous Boetica Gorge on a Land Rover using chains on the wheels.”
Prominent Dominican lawyer based in the United States, Gabriel Christian, writes, “I appreciate the national treasure that is Hesketh Casimir…but for his life of service in the field of music, Dominica would be a much duller place.”
The angels rejoice! The heavenly host now has a new Orchestral Director…
He did his job, advancing music in Dominica – and he did it so well. His quiet dignity inspired many under the banner of the cleft. Choirs of angels stand by:
Well done, Mr. Hesketh Casimir!
What a Dcan hero!
I remember buying my commando and western books from CeeBees. Mr. Casimir was always the consumate gentleman always reminding me to not only read such action books but also my school books . May he Rest In Eternal Peace with the ancestors.
Mr. Casimir will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace
My sincerest condolences to the family of Mr. Heskeith Casimir.
It was a pleasure knowing you as the proprieter of CeeBees.
You batted well 103 years in the land of many centurions.
Alas, we are now deceived to take foreign elements into our body instead of the herbs, medicine in our greenery, local foods for processed foods filled with all kinds of dangerous. Let us take a leaf from.our elders ,- eat more of our organic foods. The pesticides and all the big pharmaceutical medication is not to cure but to make us dependant and who gains moneywise. Let us get smart and learnn from.our elders .eat our local and let us plant and grow more.
You see how the money seekers infiltrate into our Caribbean haven. Do you remember what they said about coconut oil and cholesterol? Untruth and more deception . let is be alert so many more will live to ripe old age like Mr. Casimir. Again my sympathies to the family.
Condolences to the family of Mr. Heskeith Casimir.
It was a pleasure knowing you as the proprieter of CeeBees.
You batted well 103 years in the land of many centurions.
Alas, we are now deceived to take foreign elements into our body instead of the herbs, medicine in our greenery, local foods for processed foods filled with all kinds of dangerous. Let us take a leaf from.our elders ,- eat more of our organic foods. The pesticides and all the big pharmaceutical medication is not to cure but to make us dependant and who gains moneywise. Let us get smart and learnn from.our elders .eat our local and let us plant and grow more.
You see how the money seekers infiltrate into our Caribbean haven. Do you remember what they said about coconut oil and cholesterol? Untruth and more deception . let is be alert so many more will live to ripe old age like Mr. Casimir. Again my sympathies to the family.
He was a true gentleman, may he rest in peace.
Amen, they don’t make them like that anymore. That’s the time Dominica really had self respect. RIP mr.Casimir.
May he rest in Paradise and may we remember those still alive like Clayton Balthazar and others before they pass..