Dateline Thursday, December 03, 2009
For over 40 years, the camera accompanied Mungal Chattergoon wherever he went.
A freelance photographer at the Express during the 1970s and 1980s, he captured on film historic moments during festivals, functions and events.
And at his workshop lies one of the most comprehensive photographic record of San Fernando.
Last Saturday (Nov 28), he made his way to the People's Space set up at the Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain as part of the activities for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
He carried in his hand a 15-page poem. Minutes before he was scheduled to read on stage around 6.00 p.m, he asked someone to hold the papers.
Chattergoon collapsed.
And died.
He was 67.
San Fernando lost a legend. With a pepper-and-salt flowing beard and a sharp, caustic tongue that spared no one, he managed to have more friends than most.
San Fernando media could always call on him during emergencies.
Praying to hear the signature "Chaaa-ta-goooon" when the phone was picked up on the other end, reporters and photographers were sure to get the required assistance. He gave of himself and the abundant fruits that grew on trees around his Freeling Street home in the heart of San Fernando like no one else.
He captured his friends on film, giving away photographic mementos to almost everyone.
Concerned about culture and a veteran arts lover, he was a founding member of the San Fernando Arts Council, the Hindu Seva Sangh and the San Fernando Citizens Action Committee.
A UWI graduate and Secondary School teacher, he drove Willi Chen to functions often and took John Ramsaran visiting after John suffered a stroke. He had an appointment with Zorina Shah to arrange his photographs and poetry this holiday for publication and had agreed to spend time over the Christmas holidays with several friends.
His sudden demise caused disorientation and grief.
A few days before his death, he attended a book club reading of Ron Ramdin's "The Griot's Tale" at the National Library and Information Services (NALIS) Harris Promenade, San Fernando.
Someone asked him why he did not iron a beautiful shawl he kept folded on his shoulder.
"Don't worry," he said, "my soul is already ironed out. I am ready to meet my maker."
It was typical Chattergoon humour or so the 30-odd book club readers felt.
"Get someone else to do your makeup," he told a woman and said to another, "Your son must have learnt to do business from you. His father was a good man."
Twelve scrawny dogs escaped the San Fernando City Corporation's dog catching gang and found a home with the good-hearted Chattergoon.
As much as we would miss him, he leaves behind a legacy of laughter and a speak-your-mind habit with a don't-care-a-damn attitude that was as endearing as it was irritating but would surely be appreciated in the coming years with no Chattergoon to keep the fire burning.
His son Devi and daughter Luxcmi have a chance in his death to love and honour him as best he deserves, and the children have risen to the occasion. They arranged for 12-nights of reading from the holy Ramayan and have left no stone unturned to give him a grand farewell.
Mungal Chattergoon will be cremated today at Mosquito Creek, La Romaine.
Aarti, you the same as the Express? We wouldn't be able to replace Mungal, you know.
ReplyDeleteSonah Deodath
Irois Forest and Point Fortin
I can't believe the man with the beard won't be around anymore
ReplyDeleteJunior Arts Council participant
Mr. Chattergoon was the best English Literature teacher.. He made Shakespeare so interesting that I literally ran home to do his assignments. I was sad and disappointed when he announced that he was leaving teaching to pursue his first love, photography. He was an excellent teacher. Rest in peace, Mr Chattergoon.
ReplyDelete