– called a ‘Heroine of the Arts and Culture’
MRS. Phyllis Carter, wife of Guyana’s late poet laureate, Martin Carter, was on Friday laid to rest following a moving funeral service at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church in Bourda. During the service, which saw a packed congregation of mourners and sympathizers in attendance, there were many glowing tributes, aptly reliving pleasant memories of a woman described as a ‘Heroine of the Arts and Culture’, and who, up until her demise, served on the Committee of Management of the national art gallery, Castellani House, and as secretary and a Board member of the Cheshire Home for Spastic Children.
Among those joining in paying their last respects to the matriarch of the Carter family were Speaker of the House, Mr. Ralph Ramkarran; Ministers of Government; General-Secretary of the of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Mr. Donald Ramotar; Mr. Winston Murray of the Opposition People’s national Congress Reform (PNCR); other government officials; and representatives of Castellani House and the Cheshire Home, which latter organization she served for more than 20 years.
A woman of admirable qualities, mother and friend to all, and one whose life was characterized by caring and sharing, Mrs. Carter was remembered in tributes as one being truly worthy of wearing the cloak of motherhood.
She was eulogized by her son-in-law, Joseph Dolphin, as a remarkable woman, who knew the true joys of giving, and who touched, inspired and enriched the lives of many people.
A true philanthropist, whose guiding principle was that the happiest people in the world are not those who get more but those who give more, Phyllis Carter never discriminated on the basis of colour, creed or social status; she taught her children to be kind, and her generosity knew no bounds. And while instilling in them the overarching values for life, she conditioned them to fight for what they wanted in life.
Dolphin recalled that his mother-in-law not only spoke of kindness, but lived it, and that had she been alive today, she would have extended her known generosity to the beleaguered people of Haiti at this their hour of need, as on learning of their tragedy, she was not only deeply saddened by it, but her heart immediately went out to the poor suffering children there.
In honouring and celebrating the life of Mrs. Carter, the common threads running through the other tributes were her sincerity, dependability, and gentleness of personality, though others spoke highly of her love of family, and the treasured interaction with her children, their spouses and grandchildren she held so dear.
Ms. Joan Rodrigues, on behalf of the Cheshire Home, brought condolences from the Board and entire Cheshire family. She recalled that Mrs. Carter was like a mother to them, and had touched everyone’s heart – particularly the children, with whom she had a close affinity. Rodrigues acknowledged Carter’s tremendous contribution as Secretary and a Board Member to the institution, where she was loved and respected by all.
She also read tributes sent by the Director of Cheshire International London and the Regional Director who reflected on the enormity of contributions Mrs. Carter made to the organization. For them, she was the ‘life and soul’ of any gathering and at her age, possessed an admirable and incredible measure of energy and dynamism which was used for the good or the organization.
Meanwhile, Ms. Elfreida Bissember who offered condolences on behalf of the Management Committee of Castellani House, recalled that Mrs. Carter served the Committee with distinction, and brought with her to the Board, a sound knowledge and experience in the areas of art, culture and politics was well suited for the position. A good friend of former President Janet Jagan – also a celebrated cultural icon, Mrs. Carter made significant contributions in these the areas alluded to and was liked, well respected by everyone.
Also offering a tribute was Mr. Ian Mc Donald who has been a close friend of the Carter family, and who, along with his family, was a recipient of Mrs. Carter’s warmth and generosity. He added his family’s condolences on the death of a good friend whom he described as a wonderful, kind and generous person who always kept a promise. Mr. Mc Donald read one of Martin Carter’s poems in tribute to her: “Tomorrow and the Word” which spoke of hope, optimism and joy, and which was also one of Phyllis’ favourite poems he recalled.
Another of Martin Carter’s better known poems: ‘Death of a Comrade’ was dedicated by his daughter, Alison Bulkan who invited the congregation to join in reciting it.
Meanwhile, representing Mrs. Carter’s numerous grandchildren whom she loved dearly, were Maria Eugenia and Kristine Carter whose tribute passionately, but very emotionally, spoke of her goodness and relived experiences of their great moments together as family. Not least, was the wedding of a sibling in Barbados last December, and the treasured memories that reunion now holds and will continue to hold for the family.
Following the Service conducted by Reverend. Malcolm Rodrigues, Mrs. Carter’s remains were taken to Our Lady of Assumption Church, Hague, West Coast Demerara for last rites and interment.
Mrs. Phyllis Carter who died at age 77, at the St. Clair Hospital, Trinidad on January 28, also leaves to mourn other children: Dr Keith Carter, Howard Carter, Sonia Dolphin, Michelle Saywack, Alison Bulkan and Gregg Van Sertima.