Dear Editor,
I am extremely happy that Carifesta X has a place for the literary output of the late Mr Sheik Sadeek.
I was disgusted when I heard that a class of students at the University of Guyana laughed uproariously when a student asked, “What about the work of Sheik Sadeek.” I want to believe that it did not happen.
At a time in Guyana when there was a famine of local literature, Mr Sheik Sadeek, whom I knew personally, persisted in feeding us short stories, plays, poems and novels.
I recall some of his publications – Windswept, Bundarie Boy, Songs of the Sugarcanes, Malali Makers, Namaste.
He even wrote the storyline for a movie and had to go to court to earn his right to be acknowledged as the writer of the script. I asked him, “Why not let it go?” He responded, “No, Krishna. I wrote it. It’s mine. I value it and I will not let another take the credit from me. I spent over months writing that script.”
Mr Sadeek told me of the long struggle he had with the defunct Guyana Graphic to receive the sum of 73 cents as payment for his poem published.
He was strong. He did not give up. He wrote and enjoyed writing.
It is sad we have given him up along with many of our writers until now, when Carifesta X will focus on his work.
I will not be attending any aspects of Carifesta X related to Literature since it is not within my area of interest at this time, but I will certainly look out for reports on any effort expended to thank Mr Sadeek for leaving us something so valuable.
Yours faithfully,
Krishna Nand Prasad