Caption: The sons of Pancho, Kevin, second right, and Curtis, fourth right, with Pancho’s brother Mano in the background at right
DUBBED the unofficial Mayor of Port of Spain Pamanan ‘Pancho’ Yarna was cremated at the Mosquito Creek after a ceremony at his Brunton Avenue, Diego Martin, home on Sunday. He died on Monday, November 17, 2025, on his 72nd birthday. Hundreds gathered to say farewell. Yarna’s niece Varesha Samlal delivered the eulogy below:
On November 17th, 1953, Parmanan Yarna was born in a tiny Debe village to humble and modest farmers, Melvina and Aaron Yarna.
The fifth of 13 children, his father dubbed him “Pancho”- panch being the Hindi word for five. From the time he was old enough, he joined his parents and siblings working the land, helping provide for the family and learning the value of hard work and responsibility.
But at 16 years old, with his parents no longer financially able to send him to school, Pancho left home to live with his brothers Shorty and Sammo, and their friend Sona in Port of Spain. Together, they bounced from Piccadilly Street, to Belmont, to George Street, pooling together what little money they had to afford rent.
His goal was not only to sustain himself but to ensure he could send money back to Debe to help his parents raise his siblings. His first break came when he landed a job at Jan’s Snackette on Queen’s Street.
While working here he met his beautiful wife Barbara who worked at the nearby Kirpilani’s. I guess you really could have found everything there, even love. She was Muslim, he was Hindu and in those days that was not ideal. But they had the support of his parents and got married in 1976 and became parents in 1977, then two times thereafter.
Unfortunately, he was fired from Jan’s Snackette in 1977 soon after his first child Curtis was born. He used the last bit of money he had in his pocket to buy his son a toy. As the story goes, while leaving, he told the owner of Jan’s that he would one day own the place. If you know uncle Pancho already, you’d know that he’s a man of his word and as the years passed, he eventually found his way back to Queen’s Street to open Pancho’s Snackette in the exact location that Jan’s was.
Between his job at Jan’s and opening the snackette, he worked as a labourer and moved up to a checker at the ministry of works excelling there, but not having any school certificates, he was unable to get any promotions. He opened his first place on Duke Street, then worked with his brother on Henry Street, and when Jan’s old spot became available, he didn’t lose any time in taking the opportunity.
Through it all aunty Barbara was his rock and support system, sacrificing a lot and working with him every step of the way. When she died in 2011, he not only lost a companion but a part of himself. Although life was never the same for him, uncle Pancho continued to work to achieve their dreams, if anything he pushed harder. He faced challenges but he never let any of it get in his way, he was a determined man.
In 2015 his eyes lit up, and his heart fluttered like a teenager again when he met Victoria. Even though neither of them was seeking a relationship, life had other plans in store for them- they both got a second opportunity at love. They had a wonderful relationship, filled with many happy times and everlasting memories. He became a father figure to Vicky’s son Jude welcoming him into his heart and home.
Although a man of few words, his actions spoke volumes.
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As a father he was a provider, and though he was a bit strict he was a soft, kind lovable man. There wasn’t a thing that his children needed that they did not have. He taught them the value of hard work, and commitment. He always believed in the role that he played in the everyday lives of the downtown community, and he always said that he had a responsibility towards his customers- something he taught his children. He was supportive of everything his children did, even if he didn’t agree, he supported them regardless.
As a grandfather he was a bit of everything, strict, fun-loving, playful and he even gave them some tough love if he thought it was necessary. His life story was an inspiration to them, making them strive to do better and be better. He was supportive through their challenges, cheering them on, reminding them to always do their best and that regardless of what he was proud of them. He had a special place in all three of his grandchildren’s hearts, their experiences and memories varied but the common factor within them all was the love he gave.
Nessa’s favourite memories of him was when he used to comb her hair for the kiddies newspaper pictures, where she and Aaron were frequently featured. Aaron loved spending time with him, sharing his thoughts, getting his papa’s perspective and advice. Gia loved her papa so much that she often got jealous if he spoke to or played with another baby. He spoiled them, laughed with them, always making food that they liked and calling them over, or sending it to them. The wall of his home is filled with pictures of each of them, proudly displayed for everyone to see. Papa Pancho made a significant impact in their lives and was the best grandparent.
He always looked out for his family, to his sisters he could do no wrong, he was their raja. He always said he felt blessed to have a wonderful family and was proud of all of his nieces and nephews their accomplishments. He was a most beloved uncle and grand uncle, always kind, and he had a nickname for all of us. I always remember him telling me that even when I am older and working he will still call me Jackielal and I better answer.
He was a man I knew I could rely on. Just 10 weeks ago he took my call at 5.30 am to help me with the eulogy for his sister Gangadaye, my grandmother. Ever since I started working in PoS Uncle Pancho always looked out for me, even when I didn’t know that he was- it wasn’t until people at work came up to me and said Varesha I didn’t know you were Pancho’s niece, that I realized that he had eyes all around, making sure I was okay. Someone even doubted that I was really his niece, because in their estimation uncle Pancho was everybody’s uncle.
Uncle Pancho had a full and eventful life. In 1970 he was in Port of Spain during the Black Power Revolution and 20 years later he was there for the attempted coup. In 2001 he was in New York during the 9/11 attack and was supposed to visit the financial district in downtown Manhattan that day but he got delayed on his trip- a delay which most likely saved his life!
Four years later he returned to the United States, this time finding himself in Louisianna during Hurricane Katrina. In 2013 his Chinese style chicken was featured in the New York Times after a food critic visiting Trinidad enjoyed it. I’m told this may have offended the Chinese Association because he wasn’t Chinese. But you have to give credit where credit is due.
In 2014 he was struck by a stray AK47 bullet on the day that he planned to open his current branch on Edward Street, but he fought through that and he survived! That bullet still remained lodged in him to this day.
If anything these experiences made him more grateful for life and he was always sure to be there for every family event and every friends lime.
Uncle Pancho was one man who was held in the hearts of thousands of people, from Ministers to messengers, to his family and friends. He was admired, well respected and held in high regard. So today, let us take a moment to reflect on Uncle Pancho, who he was to us and embrace that sense of gratitude that the unofficial mayor of PoS was a part of each of our lives. We love you uncle, you are truly irreplaceable. Give aunty Barbara, uncle shorty and mama our love.
