He achieved the three score years and ten promised by the Bible, but just 4 hours before his 77th birthday, Professor Alston Miller “Rex Nettleford” died in the Washington Hospital where he lay.
His vision though of Jamaicans being free from mental slavery and realising their identity to live on through instituions such as the OAaSIS International Foundation. After all, his discussions with its founder was one influence of its creation.
OAaSIS Founder remembers the culture icon always reiterating that a country’s progress is mirrored by how it treats its artirtist(es).
She was once a creative writing’ student ofthe Professor, and remembers he always being warm even when he would extol disciplinary measures to the unsettled. She also will never forget his words etched in her heart that artists(es) should be among the leaders of society as they are the ones who can observe, interpret, translate, mirror what’s happening in society. Only then do some persons actually understand what is going on.
These words should present challenge to any member of the creative industry, especially as they were among the many last warning-filled words of one so greatly honoured as a Caribbean National.
His life, no matter what he did as both a culture icon and as a colourful intellect was dedicated to exposing Jamaicans and challenging them to realise their own identity and setting internationally.
Many are his writings which will be sought out, published and circulated. Even if its in capsulated forms, these well researched, and put together messages of encouraging wisdom will be useful.
Well done Rex Nettleford (February 3, 1933 - February 2, 2010)! CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The Vice-chancellor Emeritus at the University of the West Indies, Professor Rex Nettleford died late Tuesday evening at the George Washington Hospital in the United States six days after collapsing in a US hotel. He was there at the Hospital on visit for a fundraising gala for the UWI.
The Jamaica Observer reported through its webpage that
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Englishman identifies with Jamaicans through reggae songs.
Mr Nettleford you will alway be in my heart. Rest well.