Ron Robinson: son of Guyana with a voice now part of our nation’s soul – Pres Ali

In a tribute to the late veteran Guyanese broadcaster and theatre actor, Ronald “Ron” Robinson, President Dr Irfaan Ali says he was not just a broadcaster but a companion to households across the country. Robinson died early Friday morning at the age of 79 at his Hadfield Street, Georgetown, home after experiencing several health complications. His voice and vision helped shape Guyana’s media and cultural landscape for more than five decades. In a previous Facebook post, Robinson, a recipient of the national honour of the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA) in 1990, had described his broadcasting career as “a most rewarding period of my life.” Only a few months back, he celebrated 60 years of being in radio and 70 years in theatre. According to President Ali, Robinson had a trusted presence, and his words soothed, entertained, enlightened and inspired.
“For decades, Guyanese awoke to his mellifluous tones guiding us into each new day with trademark wit, unvarnished intelligence and a rare grace that only true masters of the craft possess.” Moreover, the Head of State recognised that Robinson’s artistry lit the stages in the theatre, adding that “…his timing sharpened our laughter and his creativity gave life to productions that have become woven into our cultural memory.” Through his involvement with The Link Show, No Big Thing, Stretched Out Magazine and other beloved satirical productions, Robinson held up a mirror to Guyanese society. According to the President, he did so with gentleness, humour and fun, reminding persons of their flaws and their forgotten strengths. “There was a time in our history when speaking truth came with risks. In that difficult season, Ron Robinson lent his voice to the national call for democracy. He understood the sacred duty of those gifted with a platform to defend the dignity of the people and the promise of the nation.”
“Ron Robinson elevated broadcasting, refining it with a mastery that few have ever matched. His impeccable elocution and faultless pronunciation set a gold standard for broadcasting. His work on the stage laid a sturdy foundation upon which our dramatists continue to build,” the Guyanese leader posited. In addition, President Ali said he was honoured to have presented Robinson with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to broadcasting and the arts. This was done during the observance of World Press Freedom Day back in May of this year. “On behalf of the Government of Guyana, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family and to the countless admirers – here at home and across our far-flung diaspora – who remember his unforgettable, unmistakable voice; a voice that carried our stories, our humour, our struggles, and our hopes. May his memory remain as enduring as his contributions, and may his spirit continue to echo in every corner of Guyanese culture that he helped shape with such brilliance and devotion.” With over 2000 interviews under his belt during his broadcasting career, Robinson’s accolades in the theatre and arts are highly celebrated. As a founding member of The Theatre Company of Guyana, he was the creator of popular local productions such as the radio programme Merundoi and a series of comedy specials. He was also very active in several other organisations, including the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central, where he served as president. He was also Vice President (VP) of the Scout Association of Guyana and a director of the Volunteer Youth Corps. During his illustrious career, Robinson also played a major role in the motorsport sector, serving as President of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) for three terms (1991-1992, 1994-1995, and 2002-2004).