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The Guyana Prize for Literature at the crossroads
Dear Editor,
I seriously began writing poetry in 1984 while working as a gold miner (Porknocker) on the bank of the estuary of the Potaro River. After much fasting and giving reverence to the Most High, I was able to produce a collection of poems which was published and the collection entitled “Revelation Pan Creation”.
This collection sought to highlight the plight faced by populations all around the world, socially, culturally, economically, politically and spiritually. However, most emphasis was placed on addressing the Guyanese situation in the 1980’s and what it meant for the future development of our great nation.
In 1987, I entered the Guyana Prize for poetry in the category of “First book of poems”, which was selected to be judged and in the end received creditable mention from the judges.
The Librarian of the University of the West Indies Mona Campus in Jamaica at the time requested copies of this book of poems that was placed in their collection of work by West Indian writers.
In 1987, seven hundred copies of the book were sold to the Ministry of Education for use in schools. I also made donations to several Secondary Schools such as Queen’s College, The Bishops High School, President’s College, Golden Grove Secondary, and other schools and churches, and I have unceasingly continued to perform my work in schools and the wider community.I note with consternation comments made by Mr. Harold Bascom in Kaieteur News letter column dated 1st July 2018 in which he denounces the efforts of The Honourable Minister Dr. George Norton to clean up the mess that has accumulated over the past three decades.
Mr. Bascom was happy to join with those in control of the Prize to collect his large pieces of pie, which he continues to long for, while we the humble creative minds bent on building this land that belongs to us, remain at home to paint the picture using our pens to guide our nation through the many ages. Those of us who remain at home are better able to guide our young people by rubbing shoulders and staying in the trenches, those writers from the Diaspora can also contribute based on their experiences in the Diaspora.
I wish to inform Mr. Bascom that Guyanese writers have continued to write to this day but do not enjoy the opportunities offered in the Diaspora. Much more needs to be done to encourage young writers, this is what the prize should address, our young noble writers need opportunities to excel, without copyright laws the Guyana Prize for Literature will remain ineffective in pursuance of national Development and those of us who remain at home will continue to earn the disrespect of some of those writing out of the Diaspora.
I support Minister George Norton in his efforts to right the wrongs exercised over the GUYANA PRIZE FOR LITERATURE for decades.
Yours respectfully,
RAS Aaron Blackman
Poet
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