Kevin O'Brien Chang

WHEN Richard 'Shrimpy' Clarke fought for the World Flyweight Boxing title in 1990, you could almost feel the nationalistic fervour in the jampacked National Arena. "Lick 'im down Shrimpy!" the ecstatic crowd screamed deliriously as he skillfully outboxed champion, Sot Chitalada, for the first 8 rounds - "He's giving him a boxing lesson!" a man behind me kept shouting. Alas, a jolting uppercut knocked out Shrimpy in the 11th round. "Him teach him too good!" a wag commented wryly as we filed out in gloomy disappointment.

All this came back to me last month when I saw a Star front page article relating Shrimpy's current struggle to make ends meet. The so-called friends of his glory days are long gone, though he said the fans still remember him and their kind words keep him from becoming bitter.

Now an athlete's life is a bit of a devil's bargain. Only a few go on to fame and fortune, and fewer still invest their earnings wisely. The vast majority of sportsmen are in effect exchanging a youthful blaze of glory for later years of obscurity and poverty. To reach the top in any sport means all-consuming dedication from an early age, which commonly means foregoing higher education. As a result, few ex-athletes have any professional skills to fall back on when their halcyon years are over. I recall former Jamaican and West Indian fast bowler, Uton Dowe, saying about 10 years ago, that he was sorry he had ever taken up cricket. Had he not devoted himself to the game, Dowe claimed, he could have become a tailor or shoemaker and so now be able to support himself and his family properly.

Miss Lou being fitted by costume designer, Laura Facey, for yet another pantomime. In background is Leonie Forbes. (Photo collection of the Jamaica Association of Dramatic Artists)

So Chris Gayle's recent decision to play in the World Double Wicket competition instead of for Jamaica in the regional Carib Cup final, left me in two minds. On one hand, natural patriotism should make you put your country first. On the other, he was guaranteed US$7,500 for the double wicket competition versus probably less than $500 for the Cup final. I asked myself what would I have done in his situation. For not only are an athlete's earning years limited, but Mr Gayle's heart problem might well make his career shorter than most. And none of those shouting patriotism at him now will be around to help if he ends up like Shrimpy Clarke or Uton Dowe.

The truth is that we are a rather careless nation, fond of giving praise without raise. Many who we publicly lionise, privately fade away in obscurity and privation. For example, the famous exponent of Kumina, "Queenie", was widely praised and much written about but got virtually no recompense for her artistic efforts, and died in forgotten poverty. Of course, her death occasioned many lofty tributes. But of what use were they to her then? The cold sun of glory warms no bones.

It would be tragedy of criminal proportions if we allow a similar fate to befall the most influential cultural figure this island has produced, namely Louise "Miss Lou" Bennett. Now, not only did this wonderful lady tirelessly champion our folk customs for over 50 years as broadcaster, actress, television personality and stage performer, but she is arguably, the greatest poet this country has produced and still outsells all the others put together. Her dialect performances were the direct precursors of deejay music and dub poetry and Miss Lou is, in a real sense, the mother of, not only dancehall but rap, which is, after all, an offshoot of Jamaican deejay chanting.

But perhaps even more important than her artistic legacy, was her impact on the national psyche. It was her insistence on the inherent worth of Jamaican expression that established in the populace a respect for their language and tradition - the belief that 'patwah' wasn't merely corrupted English, but a creation of immense vitality and creativity. Luciano puts it this way: "She has worked forward into my consciousness that I can be proud of my culture and proud of myself". No single individual has been more responsible for the Jamaican nation's emancipation from colonial mental slavery.

Yet, even her unparalleled cultural contributions pale in comparison to the unique esteem in which she is held by her countrymen. For Louise Bennett is undisputedly the most universally beloved figure this island has ever produced. Alexander Bustamante, Michael Manley and Bob Marley all have their detractors. But no Jamaican responds to Miss Lou's name with anything but unconditional admiration and love.

Now, because of ill-health, Miss Lou has ,for the past decade or so, lived in Canada, far away from the land she still loves so passionately. She is almost 90 now, and with her husband of over 50 years having passed away last year, only the Lord knows how much longer she will be with us. And you can bet that on that sad day when death comes to her, as it must come to us all, there will be an unprecedented outpouring of sympathy and praise in the country. But surely we should lavish all the tributes on her while she can still appreciate them. Why wait till she is gone to let her know how much we all love and cherish her?

Wouldn't it be wonderful if she could be brought home for an official visit and treated like a visiting monarch - for is she not the true queen of Jamaica? Parades and performances could be held in her honour with school children lining the streets for a glimpse of the living legend they have heard so much about but never seen in person. And wouldn't it be marvelous to have a broad range of artistes perform both original pieces dedicated to her and versions of her poetry in a televised benefit performance in her honour? Done properly, it could be something Jamaicans remember forever, and the proceeds could help fund a statue of her in front of Ward Theatre.

The iconic performer and successful promoter, Tony Rebel, loves the idea. "Let's give her the vibes while she's alive" he says. Government ministers also like the concept and claim to be "discussing the issue seriously." Let's hope they start doing something and don't keep talking until it's too late.

changkob@hotmail.com

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