Dear Editor,
I am extremely happy that Carifesta X has a place for the literary output of the late Mr Sheik Sadeek.
I was disgusted when I heard that a class of students at the University of Guyana laughed uproariously when a student asked, “What about the work of Sheik Sadeek.” I want to believe that it did not happen.
At a time in Guyana when there was a famine of local literature, Mr Sheik Sadeek, whom I knew personally, persisted in feeding us short stories, plays, poems and novels.
I recall some of his publications – Windswept, Bundarie Boy, Songs of the Sugarcanes, Malali Makers, Namaste.
He even wrote the storyline for a movie and had to go to court to earn his right to be acknowledged as the writer of the script. I asked him, “Why not let it go?” He responded, “No, Krishna. I wrote it. It’s mine. I value it and I will not let another take the credit from me. I spent over months writing that script.”
Mr Sadeek told me of the long struggle he had with the defunct Guyana Graphic to receive the sum of 73 cents as payment for his poem published.
He was strong. He did not give up. He wrote and enjoyed writing.
It is sad we have given him up along with many of our writers until now, when Carifesta X will focus on his work.
I will not be attending any aspects of Carifesta X related to Literature since it is not within my area of interest at this time, but I will certainly look out for reports on any effort expended to thank Mr Sadeek for leaving us something so valuable.
Yours faithfully,
Krishna Nand Prasad
Sheik Sadeek was a conscientious and persistent writer, a decent and modest man. Having regard to the extreme difficulty of getting one’s work published in the 1950s and 1960s, Sheik Sadeek did not accept the status quo. He bought a printing press and published his own plays, stories and the novel “Malali”, which I believe was his last contribution to Guyanese literature. He deserves a place in the pantheon of our literary heroes.
The name is familiar, however I confess that I am not only ignorant of this this patriot’s contribution to literature in Guyana, but I am ashamed that I don’t know anything about him or his works. Please let me know where or how I may obtain copies of his works.
Thank you
You can contact me and I shall see whatever I can do to help you.
Sabean Sadeek-Frank
I am greatly saddened, that someone of my fellow Guyanese do not or cannot identify with the name, such as Mr. Sheik M Sadeek.
I am however, honored and proud. I am the youngest daughter of Mr. Sheik M. Sadeek.
I feel very sad that I am not in a position to send you any of his works. His books are completely out of print.
The few copies remaining of the late Mr. Sadeek now belongs to the family, and is not for distribution any longer.
I can be contacted directly at Sabeanf58@yahoo.com
Sincerely
Sabean F. Sadeek-Frank