"Gypsy" mourns "hero" stepfather

“He was a hero...I will miss him deeply."

Multicultural minister Winston “Gypsy” Peters said a teary farewell to his stepfather Vernon James Clement at a funeral service Sunday at the St Therese Roman Catholic Church in Rio Claro. 

The MP for Mayaro described Clement as his “trusted friend,” noting that his stepfather's prime concern in life was to keep the family together. Clement was always ready to share his knowledge, Peters said, and was always ready to give guidance.

The minister recalled that his stepfather helped shape his life and had it not been for his heroism he would not be around today. He spoke an an incident when Clement save him from drowning. 

“He was a hero. Even though he could not swim, he pulled me out of that river. I will miss him deeply. I would not be alive here today were it not for him. 

Head nun of the church Sister Annette Chow recalled that Clement shared his talents with young people, describing him as “a man of character” who always reached out to those in need. 

Founder of the International Soca Monarch William Munroe and Speaker of the House of Representatives Wade Mark were among those who attended the funeral.