TWENTY-two years after his death, Ras Shorty I (Garfield Blackman), who created three genres of music – soca, chutney soca and jamoo – has been recognised by a street in San Fernando being renamed in his honour.

Tears flowed from the eyes of the Blackman family members present, as the sign connecting High Street to Pointe-a-Pierre Road, previously known as Short Street, was unveiled by city mayor Junia Regrello on Thursday morning.

Shorty's eldest daughter Abbi Blackman explained the tears were not because his name on the sign was misspelt, but happy ones, as, after years of lobbying five different administrations, their father was finally given his just due.

[caption id="attachment_967145" align="alignnone" width="1024"] San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello wipes tears from the face of Abbi Blackman during the renaming ceremony of Short Street, San Fernando to Ras Shorty I Street. Photo by Lincoln Holder[/caption]

Regrello acknowledged the error and said the sign, which incorrectly reads “Ras Shortie I,” will soon be corrected to Ras Shorty I Street.

Abbi recalled after his death, the family unsuccessfully lobbied five different culture ministers to assist in establishing a museum and school of music and arts, preferably in Piparo, where the family lived for many years, or in San Fernando.

“When Basdeo Panday and Kamla Persad-Bissessar were prime ministers, the East Indian community recognised Shorty I for his creation of chutney soca. We thought when SAPA was built in San Fernando, he would have found his space. That did not happen, but we are grateful and thankful for the street naming.

“Nothing happens before its time,” she said, crediting Derron Attz of the Torrance Mohammed Foundation for this becoming a reality.

Attz who chaired the unveiling ceremony, explained the foundation, which has a mission to expand knowledge and understanding and appreciation of arts and culture, felt Shorty, who is buried at the Paradise Cemetery, San Fernando, should be recognised.

Abbi said the family will continue to lobby for the museum and music school, for like her late father, they believe the system is not geared for the development of this art form, and welcomed help from any similar-minded people or organisations.

“Shorty I took us (his children) out of school to do music. He said the system was not geared for artistic children. His focus was on learning different instruments, singing, composing, music engineering and so much more.”

Her sister Marge, who recently received worldwide recognition when she teamed up with Machel Montano at the recent MahaShivRatri celebrations in India, observed the international movement highlighting Caribbean talent and culture at this point and said her father’s recognition is timely.

“We are just proud to be here at children of Shorty I and TT and we want to say thanks."

In an attempt to continue the legacy, her brother OC Blackman, has transformed the Piparo home where they lived into the Bla