Claude ‘Big Stone’ Sinclair remembered for his big heart

Social media commentator and philanthropist Claude ‘Big Stone’ Sinclair, who died on Tuesday morning, is being remembered by his peers for his humanitarian spirit and acts of kindness. The former music producer and artiste manager-turned-YouTuber was known for his community work and advocacy for black consciousness and social justice. He was 68 years old.

Sinclair passed away at the Kingston Public Hospital after a battle with prostate cancer. His wife, Darma, said he had been suffering from the disease and also experienced organ failure.

Following his 2023 diagnosis, Sinclair spoke openly about his initial decision to try natural remedies. In later posts and interviews, he revealed that the cancer had spread to multiple areas, including his spine and hip, eventually weakening his bones and severely limiting his mobility. He had also been recovering from a serious fall in 2024 that required back surgery.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Jamaican men and remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Health experts continue to emphasise the importance of early and regular screening.

The brother of late film and television icon Madge Sinclair and uncle of Founding Chairman of Kingston Properties Limited, Garfield ‘Gary’ Sinclair, Big Stone was born in St Ann and raised in Enfield, St Mary. He grew up in poverty and, in his own words, was often barefoot. One of nine children, he said his parents stressed education as the path out of hardship.

Respected as a humanitarian, Big Stone was also active in the music industry, first as a producer and later as an interviewer. In that role, he engaged with figures such as Eek-A-Mouse, Yellowman, Beverley Kelso of The Wailers, Junior Byles, Gully Bop, Sizzla and Nesbeth.

Known for championing community projects in Trench Town and Arnett Gardens, he launched his YouTube channel in the early 2000s, positioning it as a platform to support veterans in need—including Junior Byles, Yvonne Sterling and Beverley Kelso — as well as ordinary Jamaicans.

In a 2023 Facebook interview he did with Ras Kitchen, Sinclair spoke about the need to celebrate and help people and how it had become his mission in his later years. “My channel is more about living for the sake of others and how best I can help someone in need,” he said in the interview.” As a motivational speaker, I saw and recognised talent and diamonds in the rough, and all I did was brush away the cobwebs a little bit, and the diamond began to shine.”

Speaking on how Sinclair’s humanitarian acts play a big role in how they began working together, entertainer Richie Stephens told The Gleaner that: “We really started working together when we did something to help the female singer Yvonne Sterling, who fell on hard times, and between Big Stone, myself and Little Lenny, we rallied some support, and that is how I got to know the depth and measure of the man.”

Stephens continued, “I was really impressed in how he operates as a human being, he will stop at nothing to get things done for someone not in good shape. He also helped Miss Beverley Keslo and asked me to sing a song with her to create some form of return in the music business, and I did that... It is like he had a lifetime dedication to helping people, especially those in the music business... If an artiste passed and there is not enough money to bury him, he is one of those who will rally the funds... . When he fell ill, I went to look for him, and I was hopeful that he would have gotten back on his feet, but it never worked out. So, I just want to say condolences to his family. Rest in peace, Sir Big Stone, walk good.”

In tribute to the late humanitarian, promoter Isaiah Laing told The Gleaner that he and Sinclair attended police training school together and remained close friends for decades. “It rocked me [when I learnt of his passing] because I spoke to him wey day and he told me he was in St Mary getting some therapy. A me bredren. At one of my birthday parties, about five years ago, he came and emcee it for me out of respect. That was a clean-hearted man who wanted to help everybody and see them advance, and he did so without seeking anything in return. He just gave from his heart.”

Sinclair is survived by his wife, Darma, and his children, Claudia, Claude Jr., and twin sons Shawn and Shane. In an article published by THE STAR on Wednesday, Darma, his wife of 46 years, described the loss as immeasurable, saying, “He was the only man I loved and will ever love.”

nicola.cunningham@gleanerjm.com