The Steel Shed at Queen’s Park became a site of solemn reflection on Friday as hundreds of Barbadians gathered for the public viewing of Anthony Fitzpatrick Lynch, known affectionately across the island as “Ninja Man”.
The legendary street character, who became an unofficial icon of Bridgetown, was honoured in a ceremony that reflected the deep impact he had on the national consciousness. For decades, “Ninja” was a fixture of the city’s landscape — often seen near the Parliament Buildings or the Treasury — capturing the hearts of locals and visitors with his quick wit and fiercely independent spirit.
President of the Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness Kemar Saffrey, who worked closely with Lynch through social services, reflected on the man behind the street persona.
“We understand that at times persons will see the character that he was, and that is what he portrayed to many on the streets, but in our settings, it was Anthony Fitzpatrick Lynch,” Saffrey noted.
He recalled Lynch’s fierce independence and his refusal to be confined by four walls. “He always said to us, ‘Look Marky, this is a decision I made. This is what I choose to do. I don’t like to be confined… this is where I feel better and this is where I felt safer.’”
The viewing brought together a diverse cross-section of society, from public officials to those who provide daily care for the island’s homeless.
Family of Ninja Man during his viewing. (Photo Credit: Maria Bascombe)
Sharon Bellamy Thompson, a cook at the Bridgetown Fish market, who regularly fed Lynch and whom he affectionately called “Mommy,” struggled to process his sudden passing.
“I gave him his breakfast and then he said, ‘Mommy, can you give me five dollars?’ and I gave him the five dollars,” she shared, recalling their last interaction just a day before he fell ill. “He had lots of sense and you know, he was a very good person. He didn’t have to be on the streets, but that’s the life he chose.”
While the “Ninja Man” persona was often defined by humor and eccentricity, his sister, Morell Thomas spoke of the profound loss of a brother and the quiet relief that his earthly struggles with mental health had finally come to an end.
“Today is very sad. It was sad from the day we got the news,” his brother remarked during the viewing. “But in essence, it is also knowing that he’s gone on to a better place. He’s not suffering the mental illness that plagues him every day.”
The massive turnout for the viewing underscored the unique impact Lynch had on the national consciousness. As Saffrey observed, Lynch was a man who, in his own way, “brought the tourists to Barbados” and became an unofficial ambassador of the island’s spirit.
Members of the public say farewell. (Photo Credit: Maria Bascombe)
The family expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support, noting that the National Cultural Foundation’s assistance in hosting the viewing at the Steel shed allowed the public the closure they clearly sought.
As the sun sets on the final day of his public life, the island prepares to lay Anthony Fitzpatrick Lynch to rest.
The late Ninja Man laid in his casket. (Photo Credit: Maria Bascombe)
He will be remembered not merely as a street dweller, but as a man of character who lived life entirely on his own terms. “He is a gentleman that will be well missed,” Saffrey concluded, a sentiment echoed by many still waiting for one last look at a Bajan icon.
(RR)
The post Fond farewell to street icon “Ninja Man” appeared first on Barbados Today.
