Dear Editor,
News of Victor Ramraj’s death stilled me. I reflected upon his generosity as a scholar (Professor of English at Calgary). He inspired countless students at his university, and his many papers presented at international conferences provoked enlightened discussion. His friendship and support of the Trinidadian novelist Sam Selvon, was outstanding. His editorship of the literary magazine, Ariel, was a substantial contribution to postcolonial studies. His books and articles were shining works of the intellect.
I first met him at a Commonwealth Literature conference in Spain, in 1984. I was a new, nervous academic, with a thin publication. He was immediately good to me, calming my nerves, reassuring me that my presentation was worthwhile. Afterwards he brought out a bottle of Guyanese rum, which we drank until the early hours of the morning. He told me he always carried a bottle of rum with him, wherever in the world he was, just to feel close to Guyana. Needless to say, unaccustomed to rum, I overslept and missed my flight back to England. Yes, Victor’s presence was intoxicating. He was a man of wit, humour and great conviviality. He loved being in Guyana, meeting students, friends, family, and contributing to the literary life of the country.
He was a special scholar and man. I loved the little time I spent with him at various academic and literary venues. I wish I had had more time and opportunities to meet him.
Yours faithfully,
David Dabydeen
