By Jasmaine Payne

IF you’re Guyanese, then the name Ron Robinson must have stumbled its way into random conversation at some point in your life. If it hasn’t, then, at the very least, you would have encountered his work on the radio, TV or on the theatre stage. And that is because, over the last six decades, Ron Robinson has placed his signature on the major forms of broadcast media and entertainment in Guyana, bringing us laughter, information and even religious inspiration through his work.
And, as he celebrates his 70th birthday tomorrow, and reflects on his contributions, ‘Uncle Ron’, as he is fondly called by his peers and other colleagues, is well aware that he has much to be

thankful for.

60 YEARS IN THEATRE
Ron is perhaps best known for his decades-long work on and behind the theatre stage, and is proud that he has been part of several developments in the local industry. It is undoubtedly one of his biggest passions, bringing joy and entertainment to those who sit and observe his work.
And his audience, in turn, can attest that be it his many lovable characters, or his contributions backstage, the work of Ron Robinson possesses a signature that is not to be mistaken.
Recalling his early days, Ron says that he grew up in a close-knit household along with four other siblings and two loving parents who were an unbeatable team.
Perhaps it was this pleasantness that contributed to his happy, often jovial countenance as a child; a trait that led him to finding his talent as a comedian, and later, an actor.
“At age eight, I painted my face white, put on my mother’s red lipstick, and dressed like a clown. Then I appeared at the window and waited for some child to look up and say ‘Look a clown!’
“As soon as they said that, I would duck,” Ron recalled with a hearty chuckle. “In no time, I had dozens of children outside my home, looking for the clown,” he said, presuming that that was how his interest in performing began.
By the time he started attending Queen’s College at the age of 10, Ron’s curiosity for the stage had ripened; so he happily continued along the theatrical route, through the extracurricular activities offered there.
He remembers performing as the youngest member of cast at the school’s presentation of the play, H.M.S Pinafore during its annual drama competition.
Throughout his years at Queen’s College, Ron continued acting and directing plays, during which time his passion for theatre understandably grew.
And though after graduating, the young Ron would enter into the field of banking, he continued to act, and even became a member if the Theatre Guild, later serving as its Chairman.
In 1981, Ron started a professional theatre company where actors were paid for their work. A feat he is immensely proud of, Ron said, with a hint of recognisable pride on his face, “I suppose it’s a legacy I can say I will leave in Guyana, where actors can make some money through theatre.”
On his theatrical resume, Ron boasts participation in over 150 plays, and is also one of the founders of the famous “Link Show”, which has become a beloved attraction within the local community, as well as the Diaspora. Other notable works include his participation in the local production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, which he credits with being the largest theatrical production in Guyana to date.

50 YEARS IN RADIO
Ron’s relationship with radio began in August 1965 when he started working fulltime in the field. His first fulltime show was with the British Guiana Broadcasting Service (BGBS), which later led to his starting ‘Good Morning Guyana’, a show he did for years, earning him the nickname, “The Morning Man”.
Looking back, he said being a radio broadcaster was a sort of ironic occurrence, since, as a child, he didn’t learn to speak until after he was three years old. “My parents thought it was an impediment that I had; that I couldn’t or wouldn’t speak,” he said, adding that he was subjected to several doctors’ visits and tests to determine whether there was a problem, but none was found. “The doctors said there was nothing wrong with me; I should have been able to speak by then. So, my mother said if anyone had told her when I was age three that I would be a broadcaster, she would have killed them,” he said, laughing, and joked that all these years in broadcasting was his way of making up for his late start in speaking.
A little known fact about Ron, however, is that radio was far away from his goals at first. In fact, Ron was registered at the Codrington College, and well into his year studying Theology in 1964. You guessed right! He was actually on the path to becoming a priest!
“I answered the call…But then, the Lord said, ‘What happen? Can’t I make a joke?’ So I turned back,” Ron said. But he believes that though he came off that path, that there was still some purpose in store for him in that area; and that it was actually achieved through radio broadcasting, as he hosts the church programme, ‘Church Calling’, every Sunday afternoon.
“I feel like the Lord said, ‘Don’t go to Codrington; I’m going to give you a voice, and you will become known for your voice. And then you’re going to do my work, because the people who listen to the radio are much more than the people who would come to see you every Sunday at church,’” Ron said.
Apart from Church Calling, which has been on the air for several years, Ron also hosts ‘Ron’s Rendezvous’ on 98.1FM and Voice of Guyana, which has been on the air since the 1980s.
Besides his own shows, Ron also serves as the project director of the popular radio show, Merundoi.

30 YEARS IN TELEVISION
As if all this experience weren’t enough, Ron Robinson also made a mark in television by being part of the first newscast ever aired in Guyana. “In 1986, I was contacted by Enrico Woolford, who told me they were going to do the first TV newscast in Guyana, and he wanted me to be the anchor,” Ron said, and recalled his experience in this historic event with great detail.
“The teleprompt wasn’t electronic; they had to write out the news on this big sheet of newsprint, and they would hold it next to the camera. And as I read, they would keep the line that I was at in line with the lens.” Of course, the news isn’t his only mark in television, after all, as to recall the well-known Stretched out Magazine without acknowledging Ron would be a major blunder on any viewer’s part.

TRANSFORMATIONS
With so many years of experience, and with advancements in technology and other changes over the years, it goes without saying that Ron has seen major transformations in each of the industries that he has worked.
But for him, it is the potential of the young people of today that blows him away. The potential, he said, is so impressive that he is certain that industries such as theatre have a bright future ahead. But in order to secure this future, the talents of the young people must be encouraged.
“There are some young people in TV, radio and theatre with some great ideas,” he said. “You give these young people a chance to blossom, and they will; they will not let you down.
“We have to give them the opportunity to express themselves in all these different media. We, the older folks, need to step back and be advisers, and at the same time encourage the creativity of the young people. Some of them have creativity and skills we never had; but we shouldn’t envy them. We are not encouraging enough; and that is one of the big problems we have.”

GIVING BACK
That aside, Ron is, above all, grateful; grateful for the years he has been afforded; appreciative of his experiences, and the opportunities that allowed him to live a fulfilling life.
As such, at this 70th milestone, he believes it is only natural that he not only celebrate and reflect these accomplishments, but also give back, as a means of showing his appreciation.
Tomorrow, the actor, producer, director, broadcaster and TV personality will join several other notable local celebrities to stage a grand show at the National Cultural Centre in honour of his milestones.
The show will be a grand affair, with the expected attendance of His Excellency, President David Granger. The show’s proceeds will be donated to several selected children’s charities.

TRIBUTES
As ‘Uncle Ron’ shows his appreciation for his life and achievements, some of those who have worked closely with him in theatre, and who would have been influenced by his work, in turn expressed brief, warm sentiments as he ushers in his 70th birthday:
‘I started working with Ron in 2003, and since then he has become like family.  He is a wonderful person; he always gives with his whole heart’ — Tashandra Innis

‘He is my buddy, and I can be myself around him.  I love working with him, and will continue to do so. He knows I’m a handful, but works with me anyway. And I will forever have his back’  — Leslyn Bobbsemple
‘An iconic individual who committed himself, unreservedly, to theatre and broadcasting’ — Mark Luke Edwards
‘I admire Mr. Robinson’s style of directing; he’s always been like a role model to me. I look up to him, and I seek his advice when it comes to theatre arts. I hope he continues to be a role model, since there’s so much we can learn from him’ — Sean Thompson

‘The first time I performed on stage was with Ron, who’s among the most humble and talented actors, directors, writers and mentors I know, and it’s always a pleasurable learning experience working with him’ — Nirmala Narine
‘Ron’s affluence of experience in Radio and as a Director? I’m yet to meet anyone who can hold a candle to him’ — Simeon Dowding
‘Ron is someone who I refer to as a national icon, because of the breadth of his experience and his passion for theatre arts. It is always a learning and growing experience working with him’ – Lloyda, aka Craziebeautiful

But it is not just his theatre colleagues who appreciate him. Certainly, many across the country hold a special sense of enjoyment for the laughs he has given them; for the information he has provided; the wisdom he has bestowed and most of all, for the legacy he has created through his work and the mark it has left in the lives of artists and fans alike.
To Ron Robinson, Guyana says: Happy Birthday!