By Abena Rockcliffe
Throughout my career in the media which spans 15 years, I hadn’t much proximity to Ronald Ron Robinson. My niche in the industry did not afford me that luxury. He was a broadcasting legend while I spent most of my years thus far in the newspaper section of the media. But earlier this year, on an occasion to commemorate World Press Freedom, I was afforded the opportunity to get as close as I ever will.
The organizers of that event, which was held at State House, asked me to introduce the awardees. If memory serves me right, there were four awardees. Only one person was bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Award. You guessed it, the big man himself, Ron Robinson.
When it came time for Robinson to collect his award, I read a text prepared by the Office of the Prime Minister, it adequately highlighted and acknowledged the contributions made. And with each of Robinson’s achievements I read, I felt growing embarrassment that his most impactful creation, to me, is the Bakewell advertisement. Only to realize much later on that the man in that advertisement was not Robinson. It was Richard Narine.
This man journeyed from being the child with delayed speech to becoming one of Guyana’s most recognizable, respected and loved voices. Yet, what stands out best for me is an advertisement, one that was not actually done by him. Oh, the guilt.
Labelling him a “visionary in the arts”, the aforementioned text I read noted that Robinson became the Artistic Director of Merundoi. Merundoi is a radio serial drama that commanded the attention of Guyanese during its peak production era. Many may remember this giant for his amazing contribution to that series.
Many Guyanese may cherish the hours, months and years they listened to Robinson’s voice as he perfected his art as a radio announcer.
Some may grovel at his contribution to theatre and shows like Stretched Out Magazine, I am among this grateful bunch. Others might have benefitted from his efforts in training and mentorship, as established, I missed that boat my leap into broadcasting came too late.
Robinson spent most of his life living in Hadfield Street, I assume there are many of his community members who may remember him more for their personal interactions.
Robinson was also active for many years, and assumed prominent roles, in organizations such as the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central, Scout Association of Guyana and the Volunteer Youth Corps.
In addition to his service to country, Robinson was a father, grandfather, brother, friend and colleague. I assume those people will cherish the invaluable moments spent with this giant, perhaps even more than his national contributions.
For me, “there is something very precious about it” and the way he cradled that bread, followed by the opportunity I had to reflect on his achievements as he received his award will be my most profound memories.
Oftentimes when giants fall, we are reminded of the general rule of life, we all must go, no matter our contributions, piety or acquisition of wealth. We simply must leave. When we leave, in those last days, I assume the reflection may be more about fulfillment and less about achievement. My belief is that Robinson is among those who can adequately reflect on both as he was fulfilled by his career that span 6 decades. The act of work was not merely about survival for him. I learned this as I read a Stabroek News article written and published in May this year but reprinted upon his death on Friday. He was quoted essentially saying that he will work until he cannot anymore. “The good Lord has to retire me. Once he gives me the strength and ability, it is up to Him as to when I would retire. I will be told; my body will tell me I have had enough.”
In that very Stabroek News article, Robinson said that as Guyana looks toward a promising future, it “is dependent, to a great extent, on the inputs and efforts of good media personnel, who must be allowed to enquire and report without bias or affiliation.”
I commend the Government of Guyana for honouring this heavy lifter with an award earlier this year. It is always best to give people their flowers when they can smell it.
But when giants fall, it is customary to honour them too.
I wish to suggest yet another way for the Government to honour Robinson, now posthumously. Apply more balance to the handling of the media. Governments will do as they must to protect themselves, but even as the administration strengthens its armour, space should be left on the field to accommodate independent and even semi-independent media.
