“His voice shaped our cultural memory” – Pres Ali pays tribute to Ron Robinson 

President Irfaan Ali on Friday hailed the late Ron Robinson, AA, as a cultural icon whose voice helped shape Guyana’s golden age of radio, delivering a moving tribute at Robinson’s funeral and celebrating a life devoted to broadcasting, theatre, service, and the enrichment of the nation’s cultural memory.
It was a sombre moment as scores of mourners gathered to bid farewell to veteran Guyanese broadcaster and theatre actor Ronald “Ron” Robinson, who passed away at the age of 79 at his Hadfield Street, Georgetown, home.
For more than five decades, Robinson’s distinctive voice and creative vision helped shape Guyana’s media and cultural landscape. Recognising him as a cultural icon, President Ali said Robinson’s contributions left an indelible mark on the nation and will continue to resonate for generations.
“Today, we mark the passing of a life rich in meaning and generous in contribution. Ron Robinson’s voice helped to shape our cultural memory. His work enriched our national soul. Though the microphone has been laid down and the curtain has fallen, what he gave to Guyana endures forever. His life was of worth, his legacy secure, and his echo will remain with us, soft, familiar, and unforgettable. I pray that God give your family faith and patience during this difficult time and grant his soul eternal rest.”

President Ali took those present on a nostalgic journey through the golden age of radio in Guyana, recalling a period from around 1959 into the 1970s. He described radio as more than a device or medium of communication, saying that it was a presence that accompanied listeners from dawn into the evening, bringing news, music, laughter, reflection, and social connection into homes and workplaces. Long before television became common and private stations multiplied, radio played a central role in Guyanese life.
Highlighting Robinson’s contribution, the President emphasised that he was a true musical connoisseur with a refined sense of beauty and craft. Robinson had a particular love for harmonica-led melodies, which he presented thoughtfully and without haste. He would linger over songs, revisit lines or verses, and draw attention to subtle nuances in the music, educating and refining his audience without ever lecturing. Through his dedication, Robinson cultivated an appreciation for music and artistic quality among listeners.
Ali also noted Robinson’s contributions to the Christmas season, bringing joy to homes across Guyana through iconic productions such as No Big Thing and Stretch Out Magazine, which he described as essential parts of a Guyanese Christmas tradition.

“He gave so much joy; a season he gave and contributed to so many charities, bringing happiness and laughter to homes all across our country. No Big Thing, Stretch Out Magazine, and others were woven into the very traditions of a Guyanese Christmas. They belong to that sacred seasonal order, as essential and anticipated as pepper pot and black cake. What would a Guyanese Christmas be without No Big Thing or Stretch Out Magazine? And what would those productions be without Ron?”
The President also described Robinson as a man of many callings, highlighting his service to the church and involvement in youth-focused community movements, where he demonstrated a strong commitment to shaping young lives.
“It is fair to say that without his persistence and faith, we might long ago have been offering very little in our local theatre. He stood against the odds and kept it breathing. Perhaps the most fitting tribute we can now offer is to renew and revitalise the local performing arts, especially theatre, and to ensure that what he sustained does not fade. Ron Robinson was a man of many callings. He served his church and was part of his community, demonstrating a commitment to shaping young lives.”
Following the tributes at the National Cultural Centre, the funeral service was conducted at the St George’s Cathedral.