Veteran masman Stephen Derek dies

President of the National Carnival Bands Association David Lopez, told Newsday that Derek was at his (Derek) mas camp D’Midas Associates in Woodbrook when he complained of feeling unwell.

He was rushed to the hospital where he died. Lopez described Derek as one of this country’s prolific mas designers and wire benders.

“He was an artist, he created costumes for his bands, he also produced Carnival bands, regionally and internationally.

He also produced many winning kings and queens and he occupied winners row for many years with some of his major presentations.

The mas fraternity is pooper for his passing,” he said. Lopez said the NCBA has a mas academy which is sponsored by Republic Bank, where they work with schools throughout the country teaching students about mas and he hopes to archive the works of Derek’s and other mas men for the younger generation to see the work they produced. In an interview with TV6 last night Derek’s son Stephen Jr, said funeral arrangements are still yet to be made.

He added this father passed doing what he loved best, making mas.