Dear Editor,
It is with profound sorrow that I received the news of the passing of Professor Loncke.
I knew and interacted with her for more than four decades. She was an exceptional human being
who I admired immensely.
The Yoruba will say “The elephant has fallen in the forest, it cannot rise up; What a great loss!” This saying captures my sentiments around the loss of Professor Loncke. Her contributions to culture, education, music and society in general, are immeasurable. She carried herself, always, as a proud African-Guyanese whose influence reached far beyond the borders of her country of birth. She is loved and respected throughout the Caribbean, in Africa and in many parts of the world.
It is not an exaggeration to say that her whole life was “one continuous hymn of praise.”
May her legacy be a positive influence.
Go, gently, as you lived, dear Sister.
Yours faithfully,
Adeola James
