The University of Guyana (UG) extends its sympathies to the family, friends and members of the national, regional and international artistic fraternity on the passing of Guyanese icon Dr. Dave Martins.
Dr. Martins was the University’s second Artist-in-Residence from 2017-2018. During that time, the University was able to produce his final country-wide tour, which saw him bring joy, pride and laughter to thousands in Guyana and abroad through his eight concerts, some of which were live-streamed.
During his time as Artist-in-Residence, this well-respected son-of-the-soil also shared aspects of his craft during his master classes and lectures with students and staff.
The University, through its Artist-in-Residence programme, systematically documents the lives and technical processes of its Artists-in-Residence through their own eyes, for posterity and to enable the academic analysis of them and their work.
In this regard, UG, in tribute to this most magnanimous and iconic patriot is delighted to share the following productions as part of our tribute to a beloved friend of the university, country and the Caribbean.
Dave Martins after he was conferred with the prestigious University of Guyana’s Honorary Doctorate in Arts and Letters in 2022. Also in the photo are Vice-Chancellor Prof Paloma Mohamed Martin (L) and Chancellor Prof Edward Greene
In 2022, Dr. Dave Martins received the prestigious UG’s Honorary Doctorate in Arts and Letters. As part of the University’s citation on that day, Master Orator of the select committee on the conferral of awards, Al Creighton, said this of Dr. Martins: “In which language do we extoll the brilliance of an artist whose brilliance is his use of language? Here is a writer whose prose pieces are in precise English, but whose poetic genius is articulated in Guyanese Creole. What is more, the Creole is a language that is not only his tool and resource but his declared culture and identity.”
Vice Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin in reflecting on the life of Dr. Martin, said “Dave was one of the most authentic human beings to have ever graced our lives. He was in every way a citizen scholar and an artistic intellect par excellence. We were privileged to receive him as our second Artist-in-Residence and to introduce him and his music to a whole new generation of students and youth. In honouring him with an honorary doctorate during his life, we know he felt appreciated, exalted, and loved. On behalf of the Chancellor Prof. Edward Greene, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Senior Management Team and the entire University community, including alumni all over the world, we extend most sincere condolences to Annette, his sisters in Canada and his extended family and loved ones.”
