Dear Editor,
After my letter – a sort of tribute to the late superb comedian Habeeb Khan, I got kudos from some who thought my take on him was good, which I modestly accept. Then later in silence as I sat reflecting on it as I often do with some subjects, I got a bad feeling.
I was utterly upset, vexed with myself; what’s wrong with me, why all this glowing tribute for such a fine personality after his death when all his life he was a talented performing artiste? Why wasn’t I prompted, goaded before into praising the man during his presence here on earth, allowing him the pleasurable and wonderful opportunity to hear and see it for himself?
It would probably in a big way have allowed him to feel a sense of acceptance and worth; someone who possessed a great talent, a gift he was born with.
He could have then basked in such adulation. Why didn’t I? I’m sure it would have meant much to him, a great feeling. Oh yes, little things do mean a lot.
I remember feeling so good with myself having done a simple tribute glorifying the late Linden sports celebrity Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond during his lifetime, following through with another upon his death. While on the other hand I regrettably failed even on his demise to acknowledge the invaluable contribution by former Linden mayor and pharmacist Hugh Harris, the “community doctor” whom the entire community placed their faith in, but sadly who can’t call back.
That’s why I maintain that the courageous, heroic people within our midst deserve to be singled out for their good deeds and humanitarian efforts – like the man who plunged into the cesspool in an effort to save that 6 year old girl; Christopher Stephenson who went down into that manhole to save two Guyana workers – they were saved but he subsequently died. And no doubt there are many more such noble, God-like acts done by individuals who are still among us and whom we need to honour. We shouldn’t indulge in the practice of waiting until they are gone.
Yours faithfully,
Frank Fyffe
