Not long ago, in one of his endlessly interesting and instructive ‘So It Go’ columns, Dave Martins lamented the lack of recognition given to our heroes and heroines. He is right. There is great deficiency in identifying, researching, communicating and acclaiming our high achievers in every walk of life – taking pride in them, holding them up as fitting examples, through them showing ourselves and the world Guyanese of renown are on par with all-comers.
Now Dave is probably right in thinking that Guyana is more remiss in this respect than other Caribbean countries, but it is a Caribbean weakness all the same. Countless West Indian men and women who have distinguished themselves all too often and all too quickly fall into the shadows. As an example, let me indulge myself by recalling a great West Indian sporting hero in my own family who, I would take a bet, is completely unknown to 99.9% of the current generation.
I think A E (Bertie) Harragin was my mother’s favourite uncle. At least she always spoke fondly of him as being kindly, handsome, amusing and interested in us children which was important to her. He died when I was nine and I only have vague memories of him, though I do have an overall impression of a