Keith Smith's funeral will be held Saturday morning; Mc Farlane hosts tribute Friday

The funeral service for former Express editor-at-large, Keith Smith takes place Saturday morning at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception on Independence Square, Port of Spain. His remains will be interred at the Crematorium, Long Circular Road, St James.

Smith died from Cancer Tuesday morning at his Laventille home; he was 65.

The family has asked for a donation for the Cancer Society of Trinidad and Tobago in lieu of flowers. It says it will take a collection at the funeral.

Tributes are continuing to pour in for Smith. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has described him as an "icon".

The Media Association said in a release Wednesday it joins the rest of the national community in celebrating Smith's life and mourning his death of Smith. MATT said the he left "an indelible mark" on local journalism.

"Keith became a national institution who was treasured for his wit and his down-to-earth wisdom. Over the years, he conducted in his column a seemingly "off-hand but shrewd and searching examination of the threads that make up the fabric of everyday life in Trinidad and Tobago," MATT's release said.

"Keith's column was his most popular work and his greatest achievement, but as an editor, he shared the mastery of his craft that he had gained over four decades of experience. 

"He was an inspiration to many, and a gifted proponent of a free and unrestricted press. And no one who knew or worked with him, in or out of the media, will ever forget his larger-than-life, exuberant personality," Matt added.

The MacFarlane Mas camp will pay tribute to Smith at its Woodbrook location Friday.

In a media release, band leader Brian MacFarlane said: "Keith Smith brought together the winning combination of mas man Brian MacFarlane mas and the Laventille Rhythm Section.

"The successful union began more than seven years ago and continues to pulse through the streets of Port of Spain on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.

"Like Smith, the Laventille Rhythm Section is loud, unapologetic and determined.

"Led by Trevor MacDonald, the Laventille Rhythm Section along with the Roy Cape family, Blaxx, Benjai and Tony Prescott will gather at the Mac Farlane mas camp on Rosalino Street, Woodbrook on Friday February 11, to honour the life of this larger-than-life man," MacFarlane said.