Show more respect for our entertainers

03.JULY.09

Editor: After living in the US for 29 years, I returned to SVG 18 months ago. I’ve been tempted many times to write to a newspaper regarding the issues or events going on in SVG. It occurred to me that I would be wasting my time since nothing is being done about the many injustices on the island.{{more}}

I then decided to write about something positive. I recently saw a tribute to Roy Ralph and I was happy to see he was still remembered a year after his death. After Michael Jackson’s recent passing, I saw how the world responded. He has been called many things, but I think most of the world appreciated his music even if they had doubts about his personal life. I think he is loved more now that he is dead and I wish he felt that when he was alive. I suddenly wondered “Why don’t we, as Caribbean people, appreciate our entertainers the way other countries do?”. It is their job and every employee likes to know that they are valued. We are very stingy with our compliments; we hold on to them like we do money. If you appreciate someone, please let them know before its too late and you wish you had.

On that note, I would like to say that I appreciate these entertainers whose music I continue to listen and look forward to each and every year (1985 to present): Becket, Soso, Scorcher, Ziggy, Ron Pompey, Harmo, Dalpin and more recently, Kevin Lyttle and Lively who have been making hit songs year after year. They should know that they are not wasting their time and that they are valued as musicians/artists.

On a sad note, I would like to remember a few entertainers that we have lost over the years. These individuals were based in NY and I got to know them personally. I am sure I speak for a lot of people when I say that I miss these musicians: Walter Porter, Darwin David, Otis Tesheira, Dan Simon, Tommy T., Denniston “Dennie” Young, and last but certainly not least, Ms. Annice Carew (who was my maid of honour). I miss and love you all. I say a silent prayer every time I hear your music. I appreciated you in life and even in death.

SHARON