Tribute to Professor Rex Nettleford
Dear Editor,
It was with shock and dismay that I learnt of the death of the usually energetic Professor Rex Nettleford, from heart-related complications. The news came while I was overseas on government business, which did not allow for any formal response from me immediately.
My association with Professor Nettleford dates back to the renaissance period of the 1960s, when I returned to Jamaica after studies and broad work experience in the publishing and book industries. From very early it was clear how solid his intellect was, and his intense focus on the cultural fibre of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.
I can recall the efforts of Professor Nettleford in his drive, along with people like Henry and Garth Fowler and Eugene Hyde, to get a roof on the Little Theatre in Kingston. Then I was engaged as Caribbean and Central American Manager for William Collins and some 46 British publishers. At the time, it was clear that British publishers were not in support of any initiatives that did not have strong UK marketability. In furtherance of this aim as a representative, I was able to collaborate with Professor Nettleford and others to establish Collins Sangster’s Publishers and helped to establish Sangster’s Book Store on the University of the West Indies Mona campus.
This fostered the emergence of much literary talent locally and regionally, including Jamaica Labrish by Louise Bennett and Roots and Rhythms, published by Andre Deutsch. There was also the written history of Rose Hall, for which I was able to get Professor Nettleford to write an introduction.
In the 1970s, my brother assisted me in getting the National Dance Theatre Company to visit Atlanta in the USA, under Professor Nettleford’s leadership, and the cultural icon also collaborated with me to bring the celebrated Julian Bond to Jamaica. Similar exchanges of ideas continued between us, and only days before his death we were in telephone contact on future possibilities.
Professor Nettleford provided critical guidance and support for my drive in support of reparation from Britain for the evil and atrocities of the West Indian slave system, with his invaluable Afrocentric insight.
May his intellectual and cultural contribution to the Caribbean region be of perpetual benefit and inspiration to the region, as it has been throughout his professional life. I will certainly cherish the fact that LMH Publishing was responsible for his work, Mirror Mirror, which remains available.
L Michael Henry
Minister of Transport and Works
138H Maxfield Avenue
Kingston 10
