MONTE Blake of legendary sound system Merritone is thanking well-wishers for their support during his recent health challenge.

“As many of you know about four weeks ago, I had a stroke. I am fortunate to be alive and thankful for my team of caregivers, nurses, and therapists and support of my friends who have me on the road to recovery. I know it has been challenging to get through to me. Between the phone lines here, my phone and my therapy sessions, communication has been limited,” Blake posted on social media earlier this week.

According to Blake, the stroke has adversely affected his left side. However, he is slowly regaining mobility in his leg and hand.

“I get physical therapy several times a week and I am practising to stand… in preparation to dance soon. In the last couple of days, I have been able to make some calls on my own. I am trying to call more people so that we can catch up soon. And as I continue to improve, I will be able to have some more visitors,” said Blake.

Monte Blake is the youngest of four brothers who manned the Merritone ‘sound’ since the 1950s after his father Val started it in their native St Thomas.

Winston, second of the siblings, was the face of Merritone. He died in 2016. He and older brother Trevor took control of the sound system after their father died in 1956 and transformed it from a country ‘sound’ to world renown.

Tyrone Blake, the third of the brothers, died in 2012.

— Brian Bonitto