Dear Editor,
I offer condolences to the family of Ron Robinson on his passing. Though wounded by the news of his death, I console myself with these facts: this man was a wonderful human being, an excellent broadcaster, and a superb artist.
Ron Robinson was one of the finest human beings I have known. In a society that seems indifferent to good manners he was always courteous, gracious, and pleasant to be with. I was also the beneficiary of the warmth of his friendship as, on so many occasions, he showered me with his wit, humour, humorous comments on the fragility and weaknesses of his fellow human beings. Not for him the bitterness and venom and malicious gossip so often associated with our compatriots.
Ron’s ability as a broadcaster came from that culture of excellence which was a part of the society in which he moved and had his being. This culture influenced broadcasting in Guyana for many decades. It produced some of our finest broadcasters. I remember them to this day: Vic Insanally, Ray Robinson, Ron San-ders, Terry Holder, Carlton James, Christopher Deane, Ayube Hamid, Rafiq Khan, Pat Cameron, among so many others. As a child I spent many golden hours listening to these broadcasters. Will these years ever return? There is, as far as I am concerned, a matter of deep regret as regards the broadcasting career of Ron Robinson. Apparently, his considerable talents were never used by several governments of Guyana to train the next generation of broadcasters. Ron knew all about this. He himself had benefitted from the expertise of Rafiq Khan and many others.
Ron was an exceptional artist. I could not wait for the annual skits at the Theatre Guild. One is of lasting memory. I recall Ron, fully dressed as the Commissioner of Police, imitating Laurie Lewis walking across the stage. It was so well done that it drew raucous applause from the audience. I also remember when Ron, in one of his productions, had one of his actors point out the close resemblance of a certain political heavyweight to the Australian Koala bear. The laughter was loud too. But matters did not end there. The politician in question complained to President Burnham. I was in the President office when he listened to the complaint. He was smoking a cigar. At the end of the complaint he too burst out into laughter.
There is another side to Ron’s character that many may not know. He was fascinated by diplomacy and international politics. He took a particular interest in President Burn-ham’s visit to Brazil in 1982. Ron wanted all of the relevant information on the visit which I gave him. In particular, he wanted music from Brazil. I gave him that too, especially Sarah Vaughan’s “Live at the Copacabana.” Needless to say the programme he produced was of the highest order. It was at this time I visited Ron at Fulton Court. I became regular visitor for a long period of time.
Ron has left a rich legacy in broadcasting and culture which must benefit our society. We can therefore release him to be with the angels.