Dear Editor,
“No man is indispensible” goes the saying, no matter how remarkable, great or invaluable their contribution to society. With all the geniuses and extraordinary heavyweights who have passed on since time immemorial, not a single one has ever had such a commanding influence on nature’s course as to still the ticking of the clock or the rise and ebb of the tide, and though we are sadder and poorer for the loss of such personalities, life goes on. Like many others I too was touched by the ‘Nostalgia man‘ and social historian Godfrey Chin, and thus I express – though belatedly – my profound regards.
Notwithstanding the above remarks, it is my take that though we may find a replacement for Godfrey Chin, I think that we would have the devils job to find someone to match this nostalgia titan; rarely do such gifted people come in pairs. Though I never met him in person, believe me when I say that his sudden passing was like a knock-out punch to the chin. I did however get a glimpse of him once when he held a photo exhibition at the Linden museum some two years ago. But really, I got to know him through his Stabroek News Nostalgias and photographs; his wide knowledge and fantastic memory made him a genius in his own right, as I have written before. Many a time in reading about whatever the chosen subject was I would find myself both mesmerized and delighted, and would often have to pause to absorb the new found information and to allow the imagination to explore and recreate the scene in my mind’s eye.
I did not know, but was informed that he was a recipient of National Award, which is quite understandable since I would find it alarming and a blatant oversight that such an individual could have been overlooked. And thinking about it took me back to the question of National Awards, concerning which I had wanted to add my two bits when the ceremony was held in May 2011, moreso when I came across an article published some years ago by ‘Cassandra‘ titled ‘National Awards are distributed like confetti.‘ Cassandra was of the opinion that too many awards were distributed during the course of the year. The selection panel – most of whom the columnist claimed had already given awards to themselves – should be bringing more intense scrutiny to bear on prospective recipients, and track records checks should be more detailed.
Of the areas he pointed out where important consideration ought to be given, there were three that I find very, very valid: (a) examine their ambivalence/pusillanimity on major national issues; (b) (this one is heavy) find out how many people they have sunk and stood upon (not with) to gain the prominence for which they are being awarded; (c) check their real production value to society. Cassandra then concluded: “I bet that if more effort were to be put into the nomination and selection process we would have less candidates.“
Now few would disagree with these recommendations, and while I have no idea about the process of selection for National Awards I have time and again seen persons receive awards that for me has raised a big question mark. Conversely, I have noted simple ordinary folks who without question by their work or actions deserve more than a National Award.
I can’t remember all the names of these people who should have been a definite must, but there was the man who plunged into that large sewage pool to save the 5-6 years old girl who fell in some 4-5 years ago. The man came up twice, and went down once more before he found her, by which time she was dead. Many who stood by in shock and awe, though they hailed him, thought what he did was akin to madness, suicidal. But it was a selfless act done without the least consideration for his owns well-being.
Then there was Christopher Stephens with his Christ-like act some years ago. He was 27 years old, both a father and mother to his four children, who worked a draycart for a living. He heard about two Guywa workers who were trapped in a manhole, being knocked unconscious by poison gas, and defying all warnings from the large crowd, went down to rescue them. He brought up one, took a few seconds to clear and oxygenate his lungs, while dismissing the crowd once again saying “Ah can’t lef he down deh,“ went back down and brought him up after which he subsequently died while both workers survived.
What do we say to that? I guess the behaviour of a lunatic also. This is why as I said before, the selection panel for National Awards should be more sensitive, mindful and less flippant in regards to those Christ-like acts; these are acts surpass National Awards. And what of those two Amerindian girls, aged nine and twelve who were lost and survived in our dense terrifying jungle for about three months all on their own! And that woman in the plane crash, also in the jungle and the child who died – whatever happened?
And more to the present: our one armed cyclist Walter Grant Stuart, whom I will deal with at some other time – he is indeed exceptional! These are some of our real heroes who we ought to recognize, the deserving people. But it is good to learn that Godfrey Chin had long received national recognition. And I certainly endorsed what one writer said: “He was indomitable in chronicling the past,“ while Allan Fenty hit the nail on the head in stating: “Godrey’s sudden departure will be mitigated in the beauty of his work that he bequeathed to this and future generations of Guyana.“
Yours faithfully,
Frank Fyffe
