the famous “ Trade Winds ” an all-Caribbean band in 1966 . “ I discovered and appreciated Caribbean music by being away from it ,” he was quoted saying in an article written by Dr . Dhanpaul Narine for ‘ The West Indian ’ in October 2017 .
The band participated in the Trinidad Carnival in the 1960s leading to one of the songs – Honeymooning Couple ’ topping the charts in just three months and becoming the household name we know today .
In 1968 , the band signed with West Indies Records and Telco records in Trinidad for regional distribution and played six nights per week in Toronto . By the mid-70s the band was able to acquire its own nightclub in downtown Toronto , which was named ‘ We Place ’ and toured across the United States , Canada and the Caribbean . In Guyana , the band played at the Astor cinema to sold out crowds . The Trade Winds has become an integral part of Caribbean life , producing one hit after another with the perfect blend of humour and meaning .
He won the Cross Canada Song Competition in the early ‘ 70s with his ballad ‘ Over You ’.
Dave Martins and the award-winning Caribbean string bandyear after year has shared music filled with wit , vision , and a unique ability to capture the feelings and mood of the people . One of the popular songs written by Dave , ‘ Not a Blade of Grass ,’ became an anthem in Guyana and brought citizens together against Venezuela ’ s claim to Essequibo . The celebrated musician and songwriter has five children from two marriages – two ( Anthony and Luanna ) with his first wife , Dorothy and three – Annika , Janine and Brian . with second wife , Angela .
Dave emigrated to the Cayman Islands about 1980 by which timethe band had added to new members to replace
Trade winds at Pegasus poolside in 1968 ( L-R ) Dave Martins , Jeff Japal ( Grenada ), Clive Rosteing and Terry Dyal ( Trinidad ), Harry Cupid ( Barbados )
Joe Brown and Tony Dayal . The band was an immediate success playing in venues all around the island . They were a popular feature at the island ’ s PIRATE WEEK FESTIVEL . He worked as journalist , writing featured articles in the newspapers and magazines . He took great interest in the island its people , and soon became one of the most admired and respected cultural activists on the island . He was appointed Chairman of the Cayman Island National Cultural Foundation in 1988 , and encouraged another Guyanese cultural Icon , Henry Muttoo to head the organization , as Artistic Director . Together , they laid the groundwork of the flowering of Caymanian heritage and culture . Dave retired from the Chairmanship of CNCF in 1995 to take up the postion of Coordinator of the country ’ s second and more permanent Arts Festival , CAYFEST , which was run by CNCF . In all , Dave spent 28 years in the Cayman Islands and left to return home to Guyana , in 2009 , a Caymanian hero with the title of Cultural Pioneer and a holder of CNCF ’ s highest Honour ‘ The Radley Gourzong Award – now called the CNCF HERITAGE CROSS .
On his return to Guyana , Dave married Environmentalist and Entrepreneur Annette Arjoon whom he shared love and a fulfilling life until his death on August 19 , 2024 at the age of 90 .
At a private farewell service at the Kaashi Dhaam Crematorium , Ruimzeight , West Coast Demerara ( WCD ) on August 20 , Annette spoke of the first time she met Dave and married after just one year . With tears , she said , “ I was really blessed to have him in my life and to have 15 years of absolute joy and happiness and solitude and today he is in a good place surrounded by friends and family all of you I know love him dearly .”
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