Dear Editor,
Historically the role of the individual in a free society is always capped by degrees of social norms, opportunities, and perhaps moralities.
The late Ronald Robinson would have emerged as a déclassé “product” of this country’s elite education system. He must have been influenced at some stage by peer group alliances as he reconnoitred a pathway of this country’s urbanised streams of service providers.
It may have been the late Carmen Jarvis and Cheddi as well as Janet Jagan (to mention just these) who would have, in their own way, defined what others less endowed would have to emulate (mainly clerical and classroom tutors). Emulate in terms of standards or degrees of performance.
Tributes to this vanguard intellectual most likely itemised his New World significance, identified with the meritocracy and, in this specific instance, the award of The Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA) – an honour he richly deserved.
According to a recent NCN interview of this remarkable culturologist, it is absolutely clear that he stood head and shoulders above those who may have been more prominent in the public view in terms of stagecraft, broadcasting, and mentoring.
President Ali’s tribute to Ron Robinson establishes the kind of benchmark of which every Guyanese can be proud – One Guyana.
Future scholars aided by AI may well record the deeper realms of patriotism and service associated with this outstanding radio broadcaster.
But questions remain: how does one critique the conventional wisdom and prowess of a Cy Grant, Billy Pilgrim, Rafiq Khan, Lynette Dolphin, John Mair, Martin Carter and Walter Rodney at the level of the brotherhood of humankind?
May his soul rest in eternal peace and his memory instil hope in all Guyanese.