Martin Alleyne was a well-known chorister
in the Anglican Church community. As a
young man, he learnt vocal (sol-fa) music and became an excellent sight reader.
He was a dedicated chorister whose rich
bass voice made up part of the vocal complement of the choirs of St. George’s
Parish Church and St. David’s Church.
He also thrilled parishioners when he
played favourite hymns on the mouth organ.
Born in Dash Valley, St. George, Martin
was raised by his maternal grandmother when his parents Milton and Drucilla
Alleyne, emigrated to the United States of America. He was educated at St. Barnabas School to
seventh standard.
After leaving school, he learnt motor mechanics
and was also taught to drive. So
enamoured was he with driving, Martin abandoned the apprenticeship and became a
full-fledged chauffeur.
He worked as a chauffeur for most of his
life. He drove trucks for several
plantations in St. George and Christ Church.
Martin also drove buses with private concessionaires and the Transport
Board. He was also a truck driver in the
Public Works Department until his retirement at age 65.
Martin bought a taxi and continued driving
the “highways and byways of Barbados” this time showing off Barbados to tourists
eager to capture treasured memories of the island. In 1952, Martin journeyed to the United
States briefly to pick fruits under the Barbados/United States of America Farm
Labour Programme.
He was married to Ena Forde from Monroe Road,
Haggatt Hall, St. Michael who predeceased him after 65 years of marriage in
2005. They had two children and were the
grandparents of five and great grandparents of seven.
One of his favourite pastimes was playing
cards especially whist.