By Sue-Ann Wayow
A PERSON who always had a sense of humour, a fantastic memory and an excellent archivist.
This is how famed local magician Deoraj Seunarine also known as Dr Abracadabra is being remembered by his close friend and biographer Dolarchan Hanomansingh.
Seunarine who trilled thousands over decades of positive entertainment died around 12 noon on Monday.
He was 92.
His many professions included an insurance agent, dentist, school teacher and principal but he made his mark, however, putting smiles on children’s faces during his many school tours in the 1970s, 80s and 90s.
He last served in the teaching service at Happy Hill Hindu School.
In 2003, he received a National Award- the Medal of Merit Silver for Outstanding and Meritorious Service.
Talented in magic, music, comedy and ventriloquism, Seunarine’s legacy is now being continued by his wife and one of his sons here in Trinidad and Tobago.
Originally from Debe, Seunarine lived in several places before settling down in Vistabella, San Fernando.
In 2020, Hanomansingh, launched a biography of Seunarine’s life. The book is titled Abracadabra- Stage Entertainer and Magician Extraordinaire.
A retired teacher himself, Hanomansingh said he was advised by one of his friends Nelson Ramdeen to write a book on Seunarine. At that time, he did not know him personally, he only heard of him.
Then coincidentally, he was by another friend when he met Seunarine who reminded him that he was supposed to write the book.
That started the journey of friendship.
Hanomansingh said, “Where entertainment was concerned, he was superb. He had a diversity and that is the kind of diversity we need in our cultural landscape. He was multi-talented, a jovial guy, always had a joke to tell, a fantastic memory and an excellent archivist where he would keep all the reports on him and so on.”
The author of Seunarine’s life said there has been lobbying for a street in San Fernando to be named after him as he would have also given years of service to the southern city.
He is hoping that with his death now that citizens will be reminded of the positive, uplifting role he played to many.
In 2010, Seunarine was given an award by the San Fernando City Corporation for his contribution to the city.
No better feeling for parents
Minister of Toursim, Culture and the Arts Randall Mitchell shared his personal experience of Seunarine with AZP News.
Mitchell said, “I remember him performing his magic tricks to me on several occasions as a child and being prompted with his signature, ‘Abracadabra foo foo’, followed by our collective amazement by the slick tricks he so deftly produced one after the other.
He mesmerised many children and many audiences, bringing sheer joy particularly to those parents who experienced the pleasure of their children’s smiles and laughter. There is no better feeling for parents.”
Mitchell said, “Thank you, Dr Abracadabra for the happiness you committed your life to sharing. Condolences to his friends and family in their time of grief.”
