Georgetown: Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony presented Sara Bharrat with her prize for the inaugural Walter Rodney Foundation Essay Competition was held on recently at the Education Lecture Theatre (ELT) at the University of Guyana (UG).
After the presentation ceremony, there was a short question and answer session where the writers were able to discuss aspects of their work and future plans.
UG Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob Opadeyi noted that when he first heard about the competition, he was challenged; nevertheless it was welcomed by the university. The competition was judged by overseas writers, in this regard, the Vice Chancellor emphasised that this builds confidence. Because of the quality of the pieces, Dr Opadeyi indicated that the University will post the first, second and third place winners’ works on their website. He also encouraged the students to continue writing since this can bring great fulfilment.
The competition was spearheaded by the Walter Rodney Foundation located in Atlanta, Georgia, and Dr Mark Tumbridge who is attached to the Faculty of Humanities, UG.
The Walter Rodney Foundation is committed to promoting and propagating Walter Rodney’s ideas.
The preparation for the competition started in September 2013, and thereafter students from the university were asked to participate in either the poetry or short story categories. The students were not limited to any particular topic and this gave them the opportunity to explore the vast teachings of Walter Rodney.
The outstanding students in the competition were presented with certificates of participation and monetary prizes. The winners Sara Bharrat (poem – “Without You”) and Subjraj Singh (short story – “Rebelle”) were given the opportunity to recite their winning pieces. The competition was funded by the Walter Rodney Foundation.
In his remarks, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony thanked the university for readily accepting to organise and implement the competition.
He explained that the Walter Rodney Foundation hosts several activities aimed at sharing Dr Rodney’s teachings. This is done through the Foundation’s annual symposium, and other projects, such as the Oral History and Walter Rodney Memorial Project.
Additionally, the Foundation is working towards recording conversations with elders who were close to Dr Rodney and they are also digitising audio tapes of speeches Dr Rodney made. In Guyana, the Ministry through the National Trust has partnered with the Rodney Foundation to enhance and maintain Walter Rodney’s gravesite and memorial park. Another project is the Walter Rodney and Youth Legacy Project which is an essay competition in primary and secondary schools.
Achievements
Minister Anthony spoke about Dr Rodney’s achievements which began with him receiving a scholarship to Queen’s College. Thereafter, he went on to the University of the West Indies and the School of Oriental and African Studies in London where at age 24, he was awarded a PhD with Honours. “Today students of our university will do well in emulating him, by striving relentlessly for academic excellence,” he emphasised.
Dr Rodney’s teaching career took him to the Darasalem University in Tanzania. After travelling to Jamaica in 1968, Rodney was expelled from that country for his activism. In 1974, he accepted a position of Professor of History at the University of Guyana; however, when he arrived, his offer was rescinded by the PNC Government. Dr Rodney was not discouraged; instead, he used his knowledge and teaching skills to reach out to the working class around the country.
When Dr Rodney joined the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), he became one of the vocal critics of the People’s National Congress (PNC) and because of criticism, there were constant efforts to intimidate and harass their critics. On June 13, 1980, Dr Rodney was brutally murdered not far from Bent Street where he grew up. Today, many questions still linger; it is for this reason that a Commission of Inquiry has been established by President Donald Ramotar.
“I think that it is apt that the University of Guyana has chosen a writing competition to celebrate Dr Walter’s life… I do hope that this competition becomes an annual event,” he said. The Minister called for the reinstatement of the Dr Walter Rodney Chair.
You must be logged in to post a comment.