UG - PACE

“Caribbean Hero, Timeless Voice of Guyana and the Caribbean That Will Never Fade Away” - The University of Guyana Salutes the Life and Contributions of its former Artist-in-Residence and Honorary Doctor of Letters, Dr Dave Martins Upon His Transition

The University of Guyana extends sincere condolences to its dear Annette Arjune Martins, wife of our beloved Dr Dave Martins, (10, April 1935 – 18 August 2024), who transitioned yesterday (Sunday) after a long period of illness. The University community also extends its sympathies to other family members, friends and members of the national, regional and international artistic fraternity on the passing of this extra-ordinary individual.



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, the University of Guyana, 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 our University, country and the Caribbean. The Man Behind The Music DAVE MARTINS Biography: https://youtu.be/Z0maHyv-DbI

In 2022, Dr Dave Martins received the prestigious University of Guyana’s Honorary Doctorate in Arts and Letters. Please click here for excerpt of that award and his acceptance speech https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N769-sFVfA. As part of the University’s citation on that day, Master Orator of the select committee on the conferral of awards, Mr 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.



Me feel sure say him woulda feel betta if we did do this citation in Creolese! Yu cyan’t mek out de man from de language…. Dave Martins, singer, song-writer, musician, band leader, story-teller, stand-up comedian, and playwright; newspaper columnist, former director of culture for the Cayman Islands and nightclub operator in Toronto, Canada, who has also been an Artist-in-Residence at the University of Guyana. He has combined the extraordinary power of the imagination with a clinical sense of observation and a command of music and literature to produce songs and entertainment whose impact on the Caribbean has lasted for more than 50 years.”



Vice Chancellor Prof 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.”



May his life and work continue to bring pride and joy, and to inspire the future. May God bless his reposed soul.

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A production of PACE
Starring Musical Icon Dave Martins
Executive Producer: Prof Paloma Mohamed
Producers: Christine Chowargir and Merlene Gopaul
Technical Director: Tara Leuvina Smith
Script Supervisor: Prof Paloma Mohamed
Script Editor: Christine Chowargir
Script Writer Tara Smith
Assistant Scriptwriter: Shanelly Wilson
Interviewer: Shanelly Wilson
Camera Operators: Tara Leuvina Smith and Shanelly Wilson
Gaffers: Shanelly Wilson and Orpheao Griffith
(Lighting grip): Shomari Wilson
Edited by: Tara Leuvina Smith

Special thanks to Ansa Mcal Trading Limited for their generous donation to the University of Guyana Artist in Residence Programme and to The Centre for Communication Studies

© University of Guyana