George Lamming, whose name is synonymous with our Caribbean literary history and a most eloquent, persistent voice in defence of this region’s political and cultural sovereignty, will this evening be presented with the Clement Payne Appreciation Award, an event that coincides with next Monday’s annual celebration of National Heroes Day.
Readers familiar with the varied activities of the Clement Payne Movement – established 25 years ago to commemorate one of the most outstanding pioneers of the Caribbean’s trade union movement – may wonder why the organizers of the awards event – an annual feature since 2007 – opted to honour 85-year-old Lamming tomorrow evening ahead of National Heroes Day.
Well, perhaps those more knowledgeable about or familiar with the iconic Caribbean novelist and social commentator may think it could perhaps be in deference to Lamming’s own concept or persuasion about defining and celebrating heroes.
As I understand it, the celebrated author of In The Castle Of My Skin – his first novel, now 60 years in circulation – does not see himself as any kind of hero though he’s always appreciative of gestures of institutional recognition – however notable or humble – and, intriguingly, is seemingly hesitant at times to be the centre of public attention.
Back in February 1980 when he addressed guests and students at the graduation ceremony of the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, having earlier been conferred with an honorary Doctor of Letters degree, Lamming felt obliged to begin with what might have amused some in the audience.
“Your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, comrades and friends. As most of you know, I have never been a minister of Government. Nor have I ever held public and distinguished office of the institutions of this region; and I own no wealth which would qualify me to be a donor of aid to the needy . . . .
“It is reasonable to assume, therefore,” he stressed, “that the university’s decision to confer this honour must be related to the facts of my working life as a West Indian writer and their genuine recognition of this work as a possible contribution towards the cultural and political future of our people . . . .”
The Clement Payne Movement, which has acquired quite a healthy reputation over the years for its own varied contributions to political and cultural issues of much relevance to Barbados and other member states of our Caribbean region, has arranged a special presentation for tomorrow’s Clement Payne Appreciation Award to Lamming that will include a multimedia dramatization to mark the 60th anniversary of his novel In The Castle of My Skin.
• Rickey Singh is a noted Caribbean journalist.
