Latest update September 18th, 2026 10:25 AM
The memory of Cecil Jones has been well preserved
Dear Editor,
On Friday 13th February at the LICHAS building, a dedication concert was held in honour of the Godfather of Linden theatre, Cecil William Shelborne Jones.
In attendance was a small gathering. It should have attracted many more theatre/drama enthusiasts but, nonetheless, the occasion was worthwhile.
The dedication of this building – LICHAS – to the memory of Cecil Jones, was a most commendable act, long overdue and befitting a man who some referred to as a drama fanatic who fetched bricks/stones for LICHAS’ foundation in his car, and virtually moved out of his home and lived in the compound during its construction.
The man whose initiative it was that brought LICHAS into existence.
But equally deserving of praise, and to whom Linden folks should be grateful, are the Linden Economic Advancement Project (LEAP) heads Kathleen Whalen and Mr. Neil Fraser, who have recognized the importance, need and value of a concert hall in any community and without hesitation, eagerly leaped to assist.
They are the people responsible for funding the cost of having the Concert Hall/Theatre, which is at the bottom flat, renovated.
Though not quite like what it used to be when it was first built, it is now quite a lot better than what it had come to be.
LEAP has done its part, it is now the responsibility of Lindeners to take good care of it. With LICHAS back on stream, Linden folks will now be on the lookout for frequent productions/concerts.
I do hope that the Management Committee, headed by Jonathan Adams, that was picked to oversee its function, carefully takes into consideration LICHAS and its relation to the community. Whatever decisions/actions are taken/implemented must be done towards the service and benefit of the people.
While the structure or form of LICHAS may change, there is one thing that cannot be altered – that LICHAS was built from weekly financial contributions of Bauxite Workers and will forever remain the people’s building/Concert Hall.
But there is one observation I want to note: There are members of the community around who knew Cecil Jones well, interacted with him and were also active in theatre with him and the origin of LICHAS. It was unfortunate that they were not remembered and invited to reminisce and share snippets of life experiences they had with the man that was honoured. These little things mean a lot and go a long way in making us better understand and appreciate individuals’ endeavours and works. This kind of involvement also lends a sort of continuity – their thinking and aspirations – that forms a nexus between the pioneers, the in-betweens and the new brigade.
Therein lies the fullness thereof. This should not be treated as trifle.
I am so glad that in LICHAS, the memory of Cecil William Shelborne Jones is preserved.
Frank Fyffe
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