WELL-KNOWN footballer, Tafari George Charlemange, who passed away from a suspected electrocution, will be laid to rest tomorrow, with his life celebration to be held on the La Clery playing field from 2: 00 p.m.
There will be a number of tributes in his honour, including well-known artiste, RasIsley, his former coach at the youth level and Dighton Charlemange (Uncle) and following the celebration the coffin with Tafari’s body will be carried to its resting place at the Choc Cemetery by family and friends.
The 29-year-old was one of the founders of the Better Thinkers Football Club of La Clery.
Charlemagne’s lifeless body was discovered by his mother, Marilyn Martin Charlemange, at a house in one of the lanes near the Massy Supermarket in La Clery.
His mother recalled that she found her son after he did not show up for his usual breakfast.
Marilyn said Tafari had reoccupied one of the CDC apartments that had been vacated after the individuals who originally lived there were given notice. But Tafari himself was subsequently given notice as well to vacate the premises with his girlfriend and their child.
“He was building a little wooden structure for himself nearby when tragedy struck on Labour Day, May 1st.” Marilyn said.
Mattaniah Charlemange, Tafari’s brother said, “He was a brilliant young man.”
He continued, “One of eight children, we all raised together as a Rastafarian family and if anything happens to any one of us, it is of concern to the family.”
One of Tafari’s close friends, Victor Edward, affectionally known as ‘Sauce’ told the VOICE, “He will be missed.
“His career started at the youth level under the watchful eyes of Coach, RasIsley.
“He was also a member of the Big Players Football Club from Marchand.
“He started his own club ‘Beta Finkerzs’ after leaving BPFC and he represented La Clery at all levels of the game as a mid-field player.
“Tafari also represented the Saint Lucia community in New York and scored a goal in the final to win the tournament.”
With a somber voice Edward said, “Tafari never get the credit he deserves because he was a Rastaman.
“He got hurt in New York and no one ever checked on him, so he went on his own when he came back to Saint Lucia.
“Anytime La Clery is going out to play, Tafari is the first man they asking for.
“He will be missed by all football fans in the La Clery League.
Meanwhile, a statement was issued by the La Clery Football League mourning the young footballer’s untimely passing.
The LCFL said, “Tafari was a member of the Beta Finkerz Football Club, an affiliate of the La Clery Football League.
“As a player, Tafari was widely known for his exceptional technical ability and his vision as an attacking midfielder. He represented La Clery at both the youth and senior levels.
“Tafari was also entrusted with the captain’s arm-band because of his leadership qualities and the respect which was shown to him by his team mates.
“As captain of Beta Finkerz, he led the club to three consecutive La Clery championships in 2015, 2016 and 2017. His football talents were well recognised and so it was not surprising when he was recruited by Big Players FC of Marchand for a one year stint.
“Tafari Charlemagne would also catch the eye of the national coach and would go on to represent the island at the national level.
“His 30-yard goal against Saint Kitts will long be remembered as one of the outstanding goals in recent memory.
“In 2012 and 2013, Tafari represented with distinction the Saint Lucian community in the USA in the Brooklyn Caribbean Cup. Saint Lucia won the tournament in 2012 for the first time.
“Tafari Charlemagne played his last competitive match on March 11th 2018 when Beta Finkerz took on Veterans in the League’s competition. The maestro led from the front, scoring two of his team’s goals.
“The La Clery Football League extends its sincere condolences to the Charlemagne family and also says thank you for sharing your son, brother, uncle and nephew with us.
“He was an exceptional talent.
“Rest in Peace, Tafa!”