Recognizing our heroes and heroines, alive and dead

Madam Editor: I have been touting for years through my prolific writings in the printed media for us as a nation to become more uplifting by lionizing our local heroes and heroines who have given distinguished service in their respective fields of endeavour.

Immediately the names of two educators of venerable memory come to mind: the late Norma Keizer and Pamenos ‘Doc’ Eustace deserve memorial lectures in their honour. Another educator also of blessed memory, who deserves to be recognized posthumously is Patrick ‘Pat’ Prescod.

I turn my dear readers’ attention to another aspect of Vincentian life, namely arts and culture. It is unfortunate that during this Carnival season, no utterance is made by the Carnival Development Committee officials of the uplifting contributions Roy Ralph and Elson Shaggy John made to the cultural landscape of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Frank Mason, deceased, was, according to the legend, the leading fast bowler to have emerged from the Eastern Caribbean. He was on the doorstep, or better put, the threshold of representing the West Indies Cricket team, but was conveniently overlooked. His illustrious career winded up in 1962, amidst plaudits and fanfare at the Victoria Park. And I end on a sad note when I reflect on Winston Walter Davis, international record breaking for 7 for 51 against a formidable Australian cricket team. Davis’ name is etched in the Guinness book of records and West Indian cricket fans and Vincentians in particular, should be particularly proud. However, we are not interested in creating a national pantheon of heroes and heroines; we are about slaughtering each other with our tongue.

Patmos Richards