The Office of the President notes with sadness the passing of Mrs. Irma Ipyana Simonette, holder of the Hummingbird Medal SILVER.
Mrs. Simonette, businesswoman, and one of the earliest proponents of wearing traditional African clothing locally, received her National Award in 2011 in the sphere of Culture.
Mother Ipyana, as she became known, also established Palaver Place an African-themed restaurant and jazz club at which many of T&T’s well known entertainers such as Ella Andall, Cheryl Byron, Pearl Eintou Springer, Brother Resistance, Nappy Mayers, David Rudder, Tambu and Nadie La Fond performed.
Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, O.R.T.T., President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, extends condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. Simonette. May she rest in eternal peace.
Photograph courtesy the Trinidad Express
