London High Commission celebrates Tony Martin

Professor Martin, who died on January 24 in Trinidad, was Professor Emeritus of Africana Studies at Wellesley College where he taught for 34 years. He studied Economics at the University of Hull and qualified as an attorney at the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn, London, United Kingdom. He was a brilliant scholar, Pan-African activist and writer and was considered the world’s foremost authority on Marcus Garvey.

In a welcoming address, Nicholas said:

“I am struck by Professor Martin’s legacy as it is representative of the significant contributions our Diaspora have made on the world sphere. His is an inspiring story of how a boy from a small island grew up to become one of the foremost authorities on Africana Studies, and influence so many across the world. A brilliant scholar and ardent activist, Professor Martin was a true son of Trinidad and Tobago and I am happy for the opportunity to celebrate his memory here at the Mission.” He further stated that Tony Martin made the Caribbean region proud as an advocate of development through education at home and abroad and that his contribution to the scholastic and personal development of countless students is profound. He reminded that this philosophy of service and passion for learning is one that we must inculcate in the young people of our region as we strive to build a globally competitive nation, in which the development of independent and innovative thinkers is paramount.

In a fetaure address, Professor Cecil Gutzmore reviewed Professor Martin’s books and other literary works referring to events which shaped his life and writing. He spoke in particular of Tony Martin’s work on Marcus Garvey which influenced the lives of African people.

Carol Houghton, Martin’s sister and Femi Martin, his niece, read extracts from Tony the Trini from Woodbrook (2001), an autobiographical work which was discovered after his passing. These extracts gave an indication of the early life experiences and great sense of humour of the great academic and historian.

Femi also performed Folklore, a story that she wrote during her time as Dickens 2012 Young Writer in Residence that explored themes of legacy and the importance of family.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by Debra Romain on pan and calypsonian Alexander D’ Great who wrote a special song for the event entitled simply, “Tony Martin”.

A number of close friends and family who attended the event thanked the High Commissioner for hosting the reception.