Alfred 'Sacks’ Mayers

The steelband fraternity has lost another one of its stalwarts.

Alfred “Sacks’ Mayers departed this life at the age of 82 on Saturday October 22.

He was a bamboo to pan veteran and was the first person to play a triple second tuned by Lincoln Delgardo Noel. He is credited with leading the first steelband to Guyana in the late 40’s.

“Sack” Mayers was the leader of the Red Army Steelband in the forties and the Merry Makers Steel band before starting Pandigenous, and playing with band up to the time of his passing.

He was a member of the Merry Makers Steelband, one of the pioneer bands, to perform in Switzerland and Sweden in the sixties and seventies.

His pan playing skills saw him visiting many countries including Argentina.  Locally, his musical talents took him throughout the length and breadth of the country playing at hotels and the then popularTavern on the Green, Gaza Strip, Chacacabana. He was among the first to perform on cruise ships.

Mayers was given the Humming Bird Medal of Merit (Bronze) by the government of Trinidad & Tobago for his contribution to (steelpan) culture.  He was also recognized by Pan Trinbago for his dedication and service to the instrument and movement.

Alfred” Sacks” Mayers will be laid to rest after a funeral service at Clark & Battoo Funeral Chapel, Tragerete Road, Port of Spain, on Thursday October 26, at 8:30 am.

Pan Trinbago extends condolences to the family and friends of “Sacks”.

May he rest in peace.