Tribute to Derek Walcott

Dear Editor,

In his epic work, Omeros, Derek Walcott wrote of “a quiet culture that…slowly but sure … will change us with the fluent sculpture of Time” – “strong as self-healing coral.”

He was the quintessence of that Caribbean culture and his life’s work has surely changed our region for all time. He came to belong to the wider world; but we shall miss him most.  St Lucia, who  made us proud in moulding him will, of course,  miss him most of all.  We must rely now on that quiet culture his genius left us – and further it.

Yours faithfully,

Shridath Ramphal