‘One thing you would need as a budding writer is a good vocabulary’ – Michael Anthony
By Sue-Ann Wayow
MICHAEL Anthony, another esteemed author and historian from Mayaro has died.
He passed away on Thursday at age 93 after ailing for some years.
Best known for his novels Green Days by the River (1967) and The Year in San Fernando (1965), Anthony has over 30 titles published to his name ranging from short stories to novels.
His latest publication was in 2020 at age 90 – The Sound of Marching Feet.
In a video published by NALIS back then, Anthony encouraged writers to read to enhance the mind and spoke of the importance of a library.
“One thing you would need as a budding writer is a good vocabulary. How do you think you obtain a good vocabulary? By reading. Reading all sorts of stories. Stories from everywhere and you build on these things in your mind,” the esteemed author advised.
In 1979, Anthony was awarded the Hummingbird Gold Medal and in 2003, he received an honorary doctorate from The University of the West Indies. In 2012, he was also awarded the NALIS Lifetime Literary Award and was named by Guardian Media Limited as one of the 50 most influential persons from Trinidad and Tobago.
Born on February 10, 1930 in Mayaro, he attended the Mayaro Roman Catholic Primary School and the then Junior Technical College in San Fernando.
He started off with writing poetry which was published in the Trinidad Guardian and in the mid-1950’s went to England where he worked at Reuters News Agency and returned to Trinidad in 1970 to work as an editor and a diplomat to Brazil where he spent two years.
In 2022, he was honoured in Mayaro during the constituency’s first legacy awards along with Professor Brinsley Samaroo who passed away last month at age 84.
Member of Parliament for Mayaro Rushton Paray said Mayaro was in sorrow upon learning of Anthony’s passing.
He said, “The residents of Mayaro express profound sorrow over the demise of Mr Anthony, a native son who consistently championed and represented our district with distinction.”
Green Days by the River provided an insightful portrayal of Mayaro, and it stands as just one testament among his many contributions to the literary landscape, specifically concerning his birthplace, Paray said adding that Anthony’s unwavering commitment to and love for Mayaro mirrored the town’s respect and admiration for him.
He said, “The passing of Mr Anthony is undeniably a significant loss to Mayaro and the nation. However, we take comfort in knowing that his comprehensive body of work will remain a valuable resource for both present and future scholars and readers. May his memory be honored, and may he rest in peace.”
On social media, many persons and groups expressed sorrow and sympathy for Anthony’s family.
The Angelo Bissessarsingh’s Virtual Museum of Trinidad and Tobago said it was saddened by the news of his passing and his legacy will live on forever.
Those who knew him, posted photos and condolences, praising him for leaving an indelible mark in Trinidad and Tobago.
In a statement Anthony’s family said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our beloved father, who passed away peacefully last night at home surrounded by his family.
“Michael was an icon and a giant in the literary world and his legacy is deeply woven into the tapestry of our nation, which he loved so dearly.
“Above all, Michael was an adoring husband, father and grandfather and we will miss him deeply. We thank you for your well wishes, and we kindly ask for privacy during this difficult time.”
