Tributes have poured in for local artist and activist Duval Spencer, the creator of AJ, The Little Gombey, who died last week.

Mr Spencer had fallen ill due to diabetes and died peacefully in his sleep last Thursday night at the age of 52.

His wife T. Alayna Tucker described him as a “loving family man” and “protector”, but said he would be best remembered publicly as the creator of AJ, The Little Gombey. He used the popular mascot to teach the Island’s Gombey culture to local children and also toured Bermuda schools sharing about this aspect of the Island’s heritage.

Mrs Tucker said: “AJ, the Little Gombey, meant the world to him. He was inspired by his only son Taariq Tucker to create the character.

“Duval had always been an artist, but he started experimenting more after Taariq was born in 1991.

“AJ mirrored our son. He was a little boy with red hair and freckles and that’s how our son used to look when he was little.”

AJ was based on the true story of Jessie Ajax, a 21-year old Bermudian slave who gained his own freedom by following the Gombeys on December 26, 1830 — never returning to his master.

Mr Ajax and his friend, Busta Mentor, hid at Spittal Pond and people would take them food to eat while they were fugitives.

Although ‘Wanted’ posters were put up offering a cash reward in exchange for the men’s whereabouts, they were never given up and eventually gained their freedom from slavery.

Mr Spencer’s son Taariq said he would most miss his father’s love, guidance and presence in his life.

“He always made a point to be in my life and let me know he loved me, so that’s something that stands out in my mind about my dad right now,” the 23-year-old said.

“He was really creative and really strong-minded, but really kind when the time was needed.

“In regards to AJ, the main thing I remember is that it was taken from my likeness when I was around the age of seven.

“But, I want people to remember that AJ wasn’t just for me, but for everyone to be able to really bond and get to see how much they loved their culture and appreciated the uniqueness of the Bermuda Gombeys.”

Harrison Isaac Jr worked closely with Mr Spencer for the AJ, The Little Gombey school tour called “I am Gombey”.

He said it aimed to teach local students they were all linked to Gombeys as Bermudians — regardless of ethnic background or whether they were boys or girls.

“Duval taught Gombey culture by expressing that all of the pastel-coloured houses throughout Bermuda were Gombey — that Gombey culture was painted throughout our entire Island and each and every child was a part of it, regardless of whether they knew how to dance Gombeys or not.

“His message was ‘Unity in the Community’ and he used AJ, The Little Gombey to express that theme.

“[Duval also] worked along with Gavin Smith of Chewstick Foundation and Eugene Dean of Spanish Town Entertainment to promote AJ, The Little Gombey and the unity message.”

Mr Spencer was also a well-known woods craftsman and carved cedar statues of Gombey dancers. Some of these statues were given as gifts to past Premiers, such as Dame Jennifer Smith, who later donated hers to the then - Governor.

In 2009, former Governor Sir Richard Gozney honoured Mr Spencer through a letter for his contributions to the Island.

“I should like to add my voice to that of others who applaud and encourage Taariq [Tucker] and his father, Mr Duval Spencer, in their use of AJ, The Little Gombey, in the promotion of harmony and unity in the community of Bermuda,” Sir Richard said. “Sometimes a totemic figure can say more than a thousand words.”