Sir Derek Walcott has died

Sir Derek Walcott. Photo: St. Lucia Star

St. Lucian poet and playwright and Caribbean literary giant, Sir Derek Walcott has died.

He passed away at his home on Friday morning, according to St. Lucia News Online (SNO).

He was 87.

His achievements, as listed by SNO, include:

-Winner of 1992 Nobel Prize in Literature
-Professor of Poetry at the University of Essex from 2010 to 2013.
-Obie Award for 1971 play ‘Dream on Monkey Mountain’
– MacArthur Foundation “genius” award
-Royal Society of Literature Award
– Queen’s Medal for Poetry
-Inaugural OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature
– T. S. Eliot Prize for his book of poetry
– Griffin Trust For Excellence In Poetry Lifetime Recognition Award in 2015

His poem Omeros (1990) was viewed “as Walcott’s major achievement.”

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11 Comments

  1. March 18, 2017

    A proud legacy to emulate. God’s light !

  2. Rest in Peace
    March 17, 2017

    Rest in peace, you bard of the Helen of the Antilles and may your soul rest in the shade of the Vigie palm trees fluttering in the sweet sea breeze.

    Amen

  3. Ideal
    March 17, 2017

    One of the greatest and brilliant mind. RIP Sir Derek Walcott.

  4. Roger Burnett
    March 17, 2017

    I remember him best for his appearance at Dominica’s first Literary Festival and for the succinct advice he gave to fledgling Caribbean poets: “learn your craft”!

    • PulpFiction
      March 19, 2017

      I also recall him advising young Dominicans ‘not to bother’, after he had heard some of their poetry recitals. After that, presumably dismayed and disillusioned, attendance by young people at the literary festival waned and has never recovered. During the same appearance he shouted at a father that if he didn’t get his crying baby out of the tent (it was tipping with rain outside) he would not continue with his recital. Some will miss Walcott more than others.

  5. Anthony Ismael
    March 17, 2017

    Significant literary loss for one the region’s finest. He was and still is required reading. RIP Mr. Walcott.

  6. Proud St. Lucian
    March 17, 2017

    RIP to a Literary giant. He has placed not only Saint Lucia but the Caribbean on the world stage. A “wharf rat” from Chaussee Road. We will never forget you.

  7. Believer
    March 17, 2017

    A stalwart in his field for decades, he inspired numerous Caribbean writers, playwrights, and poets.
    Eternal rest to you sir.

  8. March 17, 2017

    Wow, I read that he was ill for some time now. We lost a good one. Condolences to the family. RIP.

  9. March 17, 2017

    One of the greats, a legend! Rest easy Sir Walcott!

  10. Odin
    March 17, 2017

    RIP to one of the Caribbean’s Great Writers.

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