Saluche

Lucien Small was born in Kingstown[1] in 1948. His schoolmates nicknamed him "Sir Lucien", which he changed to "Sir Luce", then "Sir Luche", and later "Saluche".[2]

Saluche helped raise his younger twin brothers Julian and Lloyd upon their father's death in 1969.[3] He worked for Cable & Wireless, eventually becoming a warehouse manager.[2] He was a member of the Commercial, Technical and Allied Workers' Union (CTAWU).[4]

Saluche first achieved recognition as a comedian in Trinidad and Tobago in the early 1990s before returning to Saint Vincent. He liked to make observations about everyday situations: he once joked that the seashore was the best location for a laundry, as one could obtain free Tide, Surf, and Breeze.[5] Other jokes veered into more risqué themes and current politics.[5] His catchphrase was "You got to clap for that!"[6]

Saluche performed in various countries. He appeared at the Spice Laugh Festival[7] and the Fisherman's Birthday Celebrations in Grenada.[8] He also appeared at the Apollo Theater in New York City[2] and the Caribbean Comedy Festival in Washington D.C.[9]

Saluche hosted "Night Riders", a program that aired every Thursday on Nice Radio. Besides his own material, Saluche featured pieces sent in by listeners and upcoming artists.[10]

In 2006, the ruling Unity Labour Party blacklisted Saluche from government jobs for telling political jokes at their expense.[11] This prohibition drastically reduced his public performances; ULP-affiliated organizers for that year's Carnival also refused to hire Saluche.[12][11] As a result, Saluche asked opposition leader Arnhim Eustace for support, joining Eustace's New Democratic Party. [11]

Although Saluche's father died in 1969, his mother was still alive at the time of his death. Saluche had two daughters from his first marriage.[3] He later married Helen Hazell, an office manager for The Vincentian newspaper. They remained married until his death; she died in 2017.[13]

Saluche died of a heart attack at his home in Dorsetshire Hill on 14 January 2007. He was 58.[3] The Minister of Culture Rene Baptiste paid tribute to Saluche, calling him "the funniest man in St. Vincent and the Grenadines".[14]

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, leader of the Unity Labour Party, attended Saluche's funeral without prior announcement.[11][15] Gonsalves was then asked to speak in place of featured speaker Eustace by some family members; this change drew boos from attending NDP supporters.[15]

In 2013, the Department of Culture (within the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture) proposed a "Book of Remembrance" to commemorate prominent Vincentians. Saluche was one of the Department's initial candidates for inclusion.[16]

The "Night Riders" radio program continued to air, with Ferrand "Randy D" Dopwell as the new host.[10] In addition, a Night Rider nonprofit was founded to continue Saluche's community service work.[17]

The 2007 edition of the Caribbean Comedy Festival in Montreal was dedicated to Saluche.[18] He had appeared in every edition of the festival since it was founded.[19]

• Island Comedy: Word Masters Live (2001)[20]
• Word Masters Live II: Caribbean Comedy (2001)[21]
• Caribbeana Celebrates 25th Anniversary: Caribbean Comedy Festival 2002 [22]

• Mother's Day Caribbean Show (Brooklyn College, 8 May 1999)
• A live set (audio)
• The Story of Jesse James (audio)