Caribbean authors have long been recognized for their literary contributions to the world. One of my favorite movies, “To Sir With Love” was written by E. R. Braithwaite who is a fellow Guyanese, with several other books under his belt.

Edgar Mittelholzer, another Guyanese, paved the way for fellow authors from the many Caribbean Islands by migrating to England and pursuing his prospects of being published. His theory that a more metropolitan arena would better serve his artistic endeavor to the fullest capacity became a reality with his first book “Corentyne Thunder.” Not only did his literary career take off, but it opened a whole new forum for Caribbean writers bringing new material to the forefront, and making others sit up and take notice. Sadly he committed suicide in England in quite a tragic manner. His first novel “Corentyne Thunder,” has caught the interest of a fellow Guyanese Actor/Writer/Director Marc Gomes. In a related article on this topic, click on www. Guyanaonline.net. Mr. Gomes, it seems is currently scouting for locations and investors for the screenplay of this novel. This is truly exciting and much anticipated by many Caribbeaners.

Which brings me to our dear Jan Carew. After all it was his book, “Black Midas,” that sparked many discussing around our dinner table in my middle school years, not withstanding the rhyme that followed pertaining to the book’s tittle. The controversial aspect of Prof. Carew intrigues in many aspects, the most memorable on the theory of Christopher Columbus’s discovery of the West Indies. Prof. Carew throws a curve ball into the gallantness of these historical teachings, thus creating questions in the minds of many while reducing its recorded merit to that of a fairy tale. While residing in England, he contributed to the Black Movement through his articles posted in newspapers, magazines, as well as other media forums such as radio and television. But Professor Carew is more than a novelist, a teacher, an artist, a poet, or even a playwright. He is a humanitarian and a great thinker, and widely respected for his contribution to the Caribbean.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with the Professor and his charming wife Joy. I was so exhilarated by our exchange that when he told me that he likes to spend time cooking in the kitchen, I immediately sent him a couple of my recipes to try from my upcoming cookbook “Guyana’s Tasty Exotic.” Prof. Jan Carew is the Forever Artist of the gold coast.


Lucky for us, there is a long list of writers who hailed from the Islands in the Caribbean and have made their mark in the literary world through prose, literature, novels, history and song writing. So to Nalo Hopkinson, V.S. Niapaul, Merle Hodge, Paule Marshall, Edwidge Danticat, Pauline Melville, Earl Lovelace, Lakshmi Persaud, Derek Walcott, Jean Ryhs, Dionne Brand, Edward Braithwaite, Merle Collins, Hubert Harrison and all the rest, too many to mention. SALUTE!.

Finally, there is a very young author among us to be watchful of, her advocate is her loving Mother Sylvia Bernard and at her request is inviting all of you to visit her daughter Jessica Bernard’s website at: www.jessalas.vpweb.com . Please give them my best wishes upon your visit.

For a related Caribbean website, please click on the link below.