Late folklorist and columnist Allan Arthur Fenty was yesterday remembered as a larger than life individual who was always principled.
At a celebration of his life on the tarmac of the National Cultural Centre, his friend Franklin (Bobby) Vieira said Fenty’s command of the English language made people respect him “in every facet of pronouncing words, understanding the daily challenges of life, and even the way he made fun of persons with whom he interacted”.
Vieira recounted that Fenty, who passed away on February 11 at the age of 78 was always mentally prepared to face death and the actual programme of service to celebrate his home going had been prepared by Fenty and left with several close friends two years ago.
“Allan was an extremely good friend of mine. He called me every morning during my morning programme to either chat about a particular song and who the original singer was. Our long going bet which has now come to an end was my arguing that Johnny Nash never came to Guyana. The bet was a case of beer. However, we consumed much more than that in times gone by”.
Another friend, broadcaster and advertising executive, Vic Insanally spoke of his 25-year friendship with Fenty. “He was fearless and funny, prolific and professional, and always principled”, he said of Fenty.
He added that Guyenterprise celebrated Fenty’s “immense contribution” with his face on the cover of the 2020 Guyana Annual which was a folklore edition with nearly all of the articles written by him.
Insanally said that Fenty labelled himself “Guyana’s grassroots cultural enthusiast, old story-teller, columnist and amateur folklorist” and for the first time in history the annual sold out and a reprint was done.
Insanally said that the young editor that Fenty had mentored said the following about him “who better to honour than the man who teaches you something about Guyana every time you speak to him; a walking library colourfully dispensing nuggets of information”.
Insanally added that Fenty had an infectious love of life and all things Guyanese.
Another longstanding friend, Lloyd Conway said that Fenty would constantly regale his friends with stories and photos of his daughters and grandchildren. He added that Fenty was never sad or angry no matter what life had thrown him but was always optimistic and generous. He related how one day the diabetic Fenty bought a tray of sweets from a young vendor as he said the seller looked tired and needed to go home. He then distributed the sweets.
In a tribute to Fenty, the Guyana Cultural Association of New York described him as a “cultural giant, a sage in the field of Folklore, Communications and Public Relations”.
It said that over the years Fenty’s pioneering spirit and writings fully embraced the association’s mission to document and celebrate the multiple roots of Guyana’s cultural heritage.
“His service as Chief Information Officer of Guyana’s Information Services reflects the role he played as an opinion leader in the transition of Guyana from a colony to an independent nation on the international stage”, it said.
The funeral programme related an appeal by Fenty for jolly music to be played at his home going. It recorded him as saying the following: “When thinking about my funeral I decided to make one paramount request: play jolly music at that ritual.
What good does it do to heap on dirges
or other mournful melodies?
I won’t be there to be gratified by the grieving
If I could tune in
I’d be happier to see those present
Tapping their feet and clapping their hands.
Yoruba Singers would be nice.
Eze Rockcliff would fit the bill
So would Camo or Tyndall on the steelpan
And even some Kweh Kweh music
From the Bax Gang to bring the right vibe.
Putagee on the flute in a Masquerade Band
Would make a funeral march swing.
I’d be happy if they could flounce
Me away with a rousing tune.
The home going was interspersed with scriptural readings by family and friends, hymns and there were stirring musical tributes by Eze Rockliff, Singing Lurline and Russell Lancaster. Reverend Raymond Coxall delivered the sermon.
A cremation followed at Good Hope on the East Coast of Demerara.
Fenty authored the Frankly Speaking column in Stabroek News on Fridays for 30 years.
