Jackson the cat died on Friday the 13th, four years ago. To commemorate his life a resident, supported by others who knew the feline, gathered together and promoted the creation of a sculpture, which is now on display on one of the walls of Barreirinha.
The work, in basalt, by the sculptor Pepe Baptista, was officially unveiled in a simple ceremony. The plaque beneath reads:
“JACKSON, the king of the area, among other names was adored by all who passed through Largo do Socorro. He belonged to everyone and belonged to no one! He was undoubtedly a heartthrob and a very kind cat. He will be missed.”
Sónia Fernandes, promoter of the initiative, told reporters that as a resident, she walked past Jackson every day and no one could be indifferent to his presence. “It was impossible to walk past without patting him or having some form of contact. And it wasn’t just me, he was always there and very lovable, she recalls.
Sadly, Jackson fell off the wall at the Socorro viewpoint and did not survive. It was when she was trying to overcome Jackson’s death that the idea of a sculpture came to mind. Recalling the initiative, she said “we got to work, and today, we have made it happen. It is a dream come true. He will always be here.”
As stated on the plaque, construction company Sales Faria & Andrade sponsored the initiative, and the plaque was unveiled by a teacher who used to feed Jackson.
The sculpture depicts one of Jackson’s favourite wall resting poses.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
Photo: JM
