Blakie, 70, weds for the first time

Carlton Joseph, more popularly know” as the “Warlord” or “Lord Blakie” in the entertainment world, tied the knot yesterday with his female companion of many years, 56-year-old Joycey Raymond.

The two took their vows at a simple ceremony, performed by Assistant Registrar General Arlene J Val?re at the Ministry of Legal Affairs’ Port-of-Spain office. It was a first attempt at marriage for Blakie and a second attempt for Raymond. They have three grown children between them but a jocular Blakie made it clear that none of the “children” will be living with them at their Mt Hope residence. When asked about the reception, popular talk-show host and long-time friend of the couple, George “Umbala” Joseph said the couple was too nervous to talk so he told guests that the reception will take place October 19, at the couple’s residence. And where will the honeymoon take place? Blakie quickly responded, “Right there self!” at which all present at the registrar’s had another hearty laugh.

Blakie was decked off in a green suit for the occasion while Raymond chose to wear a pastel shade blue suit. Quite a few of their friends and family turned up for the event as well. However, it was not all plain sailing for the couple as they had to endure a delay of over an hour. During that time, Raymond kept busy chatting with a friend but Blakie sat in stoney silence, only breaking it to gleefully take a heckle from a member from the registrar’s office, who on noticing that it was Blakie sitting quietly, said: “Blakie boy, yuh heart pumping boy!” Once again, all in the room burst out laughing. When asked what made him feel to take the plunge at 70, he said, “I just feel to take it now and the lady treating me right, I’ll cool myself,” followed by his famous laugh.

As the couple was finally led into the room where the ceremony was to be performed, Blakie immediately sat on one of the two chairs, strategically placed for them to sit down. But Val?re informed him that he was not to sit as yet. Blakie then blurted that he had been waiting for so long outside and that the Assistant Registrar General couldn’t tell him not to sit down. After looking over their documents, Val?re then told Blakie that if it took him 70 years before he decided to be married and that it was long before she was born, he should not be talking about the wait he had to endure. This prompted Blakie to muse: “Since I here before you born, I could stand up!” More laughter continued into the ceremony itself when both Blakie and Raymond were asked by Val?re if they had anything to say to each other. Blakie spoke first and pointing to his wife said: “You better be careful”! After she stopped laughing, Raymond told Blakie that she’d always been careful with him and that she loved him. They were then pronounced man and wife, after which the happy couple left for home.