A tribute was paid by the Progressive Labour Party yesterday to Gombey grandmaster Leon “Sparky” Place ahead of his funeral.

Mr Place, who died this month at the age of 77, was the oldest surviving member of the original Place’s Gombeys, which was formed in 1957.

The PLP said: “The Progressive Labour Party extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and admirers of the iconic Gombey grandmaster, Mr Leon ‘Sparky’ Place of the legendary Place’s Gombeys.

“Mr Place’s contributions to our unique Bermudian culture through the Gombeys will live on for ever and we are infinitely indebted to him.

“Our party was pleased to honour Mr Place with a PLP Drum Major award in 2023, recognising his contributions to the community over his lifetime.

“We thank Leon ‘Sparky’ Place for all that he did to cultivate the Gombey traditions in Bermuda through his family and his troupe.

“The influence he has had is immeasurable and we know that his family and friends are filled with pride.

“We hope the family is comforted by the memories and by the knowledge of the impact that this Gombey grandmaster had in our community.”

Hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their last respects to Mr Place yesterday at his funeral service, which was held at the New Testament Church of God Heritage Worship Centre in Hamilton.

A procession led by Gombeys in full regalia then transported the casket through the City and on to the Wesley Methodist Cemetery on St John’s Road in Pembroke.

Mr Place was an easily recognised figure at performances almost until the end of his life.

His skills in dancing and drumming were witnessed by audiences in the United States, Jamaica and Colombia.