BOSTON, FEB 4, 2011 – – A heart of gold…  A deeply committed
Christian… A life of selfless service. I think that is how Dame Olga Lopes-Seale wished to be remembered by
the generations in Guyana and Barbados whose lives she helped to enrich.

It was announced in Bridgetown that Dame Olga had died early this
morning at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Just prior to the 2010 festive season, the media had carried reports
that Dame Olga had suffered a fall at her home in Black Rock, near
Bridgetown, and had broken a hip.

More than 66 years ago, I was among a generation of under-10s in
Georgetown, Guyana, who weekly had sung for and with her on the ZFY
radio station.

The children were her “Ovaltinees” in a programme sponsored by the
importers and distributors of Ovaltine.

Together with Auntie Olga and pianist Mikey McKenzie, we sang the song
lustily:

We are the Ovaltinees, little boys and girls…
Make no mistake, we won’t deceive you.
We are here just to amuse you.
Would you like to hear our music…
Would you share our joy.
In games and sports we’re more than keen…
No happier children can be seen…
Because we all drink Ovaltine…
We’re happy girls and boys.

Weekly, there were individual presentation of songs by boys and girls,
and prizes awarded… and everybody went off with Ovaltine gifts.

So, under Auntie Olga’s tutelage and example, we grew up with some
appreciation of songs and music, and deep admiration for the manner in
which she was able to interact with each new generation of children.

Her Radio Demerara’s Needy Children’s Fund and the annual Christmas
party, with massive distribution of holiday “goodies” to many
underprivileged families became almost a national institution.

Then, as in so many other areas of national endeavour, Guyana lost
this jewel to Barbados who embraced her as warmly as it could any
native-born; and her service to broadcasting and to humanity became a
widely appreciated feature in this young nation, too.

Nothing has since been produced in Barbados to rival the popularity of
her Saturday morning children’s programme on Rediffusion years ago,
out of which children emerged proud of their developing talents, and
confident – a confidence which served them well in their formal school
work.

Sometime in 2010, I think it was, I had heard her on local radio in
Barbados broadcasting promos for a public Dame Olga Lopes-Seale fund-
raising event, and I marvelled that at 91 she was still the best female
broadcaster on the island.

And don’t talk about her driving, for she had seriously claimed
repeatedly that she was without doubt the best driver in Barbados.
There may be other drivers as good as she, she had added… but none
better.

I had not been aware that she was still driving until we chanced upon
each other a few years ago at the Gynmasium at a graduation ceremony
of the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies.

The ceremony had been followed by a reception, and we chatted as we
were about to depart at the same time and heading for the exit. However, it
was raining heavily and we chatted a bit more, awaiting the weather’s
ease.

Then Dame Olga said the weather was not easing and that she would go
through the rain, regardless (avoiding the idiomatic ‘irregardless’ of
some Bajans).

I remarked that whoever was coming to collect her would most likely
drive up to the entrance, thus it really was not necessary for her to
go through the rain to connect with them. To which she responded that
she was going to where she had parked her vehicle.

As is customary, I had an umbrella and provided shelter to the area
where she had parked, about 60 metres or so away.

To my surprise, it was a big SUV. She kissed me on the cheek,
said :”Thanks… You’re a gentleman”, hopped into this large vehicle
and drove off.

Now that the time has come for her to go, no one in Guyana or Barbados
has hit the scene in social and charitable work who can immediately
and effectively replace her.