Different strokes for Lara and Naipaul

THE EDITOR: I shall deem it an honour if you can insert this article in your esteemed paper, “Literary gems have no recognition in Trinidad and Tobago.” It is indeed praiseworthy to honour and glorify the magnificent achievements of our sport hero Lara. Brian Lara is a super batsman who has created world history scoring 400 runs and bringing honour to our country. Our sport heroes Lara, Crawford, Boldon and others need congratulations for bringing our country to the forefront in the world. But what about our literary gems; they are clean forgotten although they are the pillars of our history; they too need recognition.

It was a glorious event in recent years, when two of our literary giants won the Nobel prize- Derek Walcott and VS Naipaul. The Nobel prize is the highest honour one can get and it deserves praise and honour. Alfred Nobel the Sweedish billionaire left in his will vast sums for the world advancement in science, literature, medicine and peace. Our country should be celebrating VS Naipaul’s magnificent achievement but what a contrast to Lara’s. Not a drum was heard, Not a calypsonian sang, Not a speech in Parliament, Not a word from the University, Not a word from the Ministry of Art and Culture. And to add insult to injury, a vicious rumour was spread that Naipaul disclaimed Trinidad as his homeland and yet Naipaul remains the par excellence ambassador of our country. Maybe one hundred years from now, some one would again win the prestigious Nobel prize and by then our literary gems would have recognition.

SAMUEL
DOODNATH
Ex School Principal