Several stakeholders within the Teaching the Performing Arts sectors are mourning the tragic loss of Kirwyn Mars, popularly known as “Sir Mars” who was killed on Sunday night. Folks familiar with him told Guyana Standard that he will be remembered as someone who was always misunderstood for his assertive approach.
His death rocked social media users, with many sharing video recordings of tributes and memories. Many of his followers also expressed their gratitude for the life he lived on and off stage.
Guyana Standard spoke to several of his former colleagues who all are still in shock, and some of whom told this publication that they have not slept since the news of his death broke on the internet.
Musician and Playwriter Kwasi Ace during an interview with this news outlet remembered Sir Mars as always punctual and respected in the field of theater. “Sir Mars was there even before the organizer of any show. He was always very early, even for rehearsals and took his craft very seriously. I will remember him as a brother and father, because you could always depend on him.
“I remember the first time I competed for Soca Monarch, I needed an introduction before I stepped on stage. I called everyone in the theater and everyone was booked. Sir. Mars rose to the occasion and he performed on stage for free. That was the type of person he was. Always willing to help wherever he could,” Ace said.
Meanwhile, Educator and Designer Paul Burnette remembered Sir Mars as someone who was also misunderstood for his personality. According to Burnette, many people, after getting to know Sir Mars loved and respected him for not only his honesty but also his devotion to friendship. “I remember I had to submit a script for him and he demanded that it be done in a certain way and format. This was not something bad, it simply meant that he knew what he wanted and he also knew what I could deliver…
“What was more interesting was the fact that many people avoided him because they perceived him to be confrontational but he wasn’t. When you get to know him, you’d realize that he was the smartest and kindest person you’ll ever meet. He was an amazing teacher and a great human overall,” Burnette said.
Actress and Comedian Odessa Primus shared the stage many times with Sir Mars. The satirical squabbles and even their stage performances together made them a power comedy duo. Primus however explained that their friendship was both off and onstage as the two would often communicate with each other.
She opined that the arts industry has lost a tremendous figure. “I could have never imagined in my wildest imagination that this would be the way he would leave us. It was always a production whenever we would meet up and this is a major loss to the performing arts because he was loved by fans and those of us who shared the stage with him. I haven’t quite gotten my head around the fact that he is gone because it is still a shock to me,” Primus said.
Meanwhile, General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers Union, Coretta McDonald told Guyana Standard that she is now hoping that the perpetrator who committed the act against Mars is brought to justice. She lamented that the gruesome manner in which Mars met his demise was “senseless” and “inhumane”.
“Sir Mars was someone whom we all the Union thought was a spark of energy. He was passionate about the rights of teachers and was also a distinguished educator who was respected and loved by all of us. He was a very stern disciplinarian as well. Well respected by his students…
“This is a tragic day for us all. He did not deserve that kind of gruesome death and I hope that the Guyana Police Force does all that it can to bring that person into custody so that he can face the law. His death is a big blow to all of us and we will miss him. We know too that he was very passionate about respect for teachers and this profession and he will forever honour and remember him that way, McDonald said.
Sir Mars was killed after he was crushed and run over by a car driven by a known assailant to him in the Perseverance, East Bank Demerara district. Reports are that Mars was stabbed several times, along with the assailant after the two were involved in a heated argument. Investigators on the scene removed two bloodied knives from the vehicle reportedly owned by Mars. The assailant remains on the run.
