-PM, politicians reflect on Braithwaite’s sterling contribution to Guyana and the world

THE life of world-renowned writer Edward Ricardo Braithwaite was reflective of love, triumphing hate during a time when challenges facing marginalised groups – particularly blacks – were unprecedented.

It is not common for politicians from opposing sides to agree, but when they do, it is usually on an undeniable fact. And the sterling contributions made to Guyana and the world by E.R. Braithwaite was one of those things that politicians in Guyana could have agreed on following his death at 104 years old on Monday.

Schooled in Guyana, the United States (US) and Britain, this international icon authored several books with thematic focus on racism and class, and the cultural difference between the First World and colonial societies.

He served as a diplomat and as Guyana’s first Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) in 1967; an educational consultant and lecturer for the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and was an academic. During World War II, he joined the Royal Air Force as a pilot. His life’s story, though sounding like an implausible Hollywood script, would eventually become a bestselling novel and award-winning movie with the same title, “To Sir, With love.”
Describing him passionately as a “son of Guyana’s soil,” Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo offered that Braithwaite’s death should not go unnoticed in Guyana. “He has helped to put Guyana on the map with his book, ‘To Sir with love’, which became the subject of a movie; a very celebrated movie.

“Then there was the imperishable book ‘Homecoming’, dealing with his visit to South Africa. So, you have in one man a writer, a diplomat, an artiste, an intellectual; and it’s difficult to find those qualities in one person,” the Prime Minister said.

He said that if he could imagine what Braithwaite represented, it would be Sidney Poitier – the actor who played the role of the teacher (Braithwaite himself) in the movie ‘To Sir, with love.’
The Prime Minister related that Braithwaite was someone who had experienced discrimination as a teacher, but used his experiences to fight against discrimination, marginalisation and racism. He referred to the end of the film, which he says, shows that when someone is dedicated to their profession, their goal is to mould a new character. “It [the film] shows that those who despised him came to love him. Therefore, his life is one of triumph, of love, over hate”, a smiling Nagamootoo said.

Great loss
Former Minister of Culture, Frank Anthony, has also described the death of this international icon as “a great loss to all Guyanese.”

Anthony noted that Braithwaite’s work had made him a symbol for Guyana in the literary world. He said that which was narrated in his book ‘To Sir, with love’ was not only confined to the United Kingdom (UK), but represented what was happening in the world. And because of that kind of expose and expression by the late author, what was eventually experienced was a change of people’s minds and hearts.

“So, in a way, that work helped to humanise the world. I think he has made a sterling contribution not only to Guyana, but the world,” the former culture minister said.

He also reflected on Braithwaite’s momentous visit to Guyana in 2012, where the writer was able to sit and watch local actors dramatize ‘To sir, with love’ at the National Cultural Centre.

“I remember there was a very moving tribute. The show To Sir with Love’ was put on at the Cultural Centre and he was in the audience, and he shed a couple of tears when he looked at the performance,” Anthony recalled.

And because of his contributions and presence, Anthony said, he believes that the world has been made a richer place. “He has had a long and productive life, and we truly mourn his loss. But in other ways we can celebrate his successes,” he added.

Also weighing in on the life and work of Braithwaite was Education Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, who said that Braithwaite’s death is a matter for great sadness. “I think Braithwaite is going to be mourned, not only here in Guyana. He belongs to us in a special way, but he also belongs to the world. He was an important writer and educator. He has done an enormous amount of work, and we will miss him,” the minister said.

Like the other politicians, he believes that the late artiste lived a good, long and productive life, which he utilised to make invaluable contributions for the betterment of those with whom he had come into contact.

The minister revealed that he is inclined to consider branding some social or cultural element of society with Braithwaite’s name, but he said that would be done only after consultations. “I think it’s a good idea, but I’ll have to consult with the President about it first,” he said.