‘To Sir with Love’ author receives surprise National Award
Edward Ricardo ‘E.R.’ Braithwaite, author of the book that was made into the popular 1967 film starring Sidney Poitier “To Sir With Love,” (see film video clip below), was yesterday conferred a National Award when President Donald Ramotar performed the duty of affixing him the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH).
President Donald Ramotar bestowing the Cacique Crown of Honour on Mr. Edward Ricardo Braithwaite, author of the world famous, ‘To Sir With Love’.
“I am surprised because I did not expect an award. I don’t know that I have done anything to deserve the award but, I am grateful for what the award represents,” said Braithwaite, who served as a diplomat in the formative years of Guyana’s independence.
He was at the time speaking with members of the media following a simple investiture ceremony at the Office of the President.
The award comes the morning after Braithwaite joined a live audience to witness a Guyanese re-enactment of the play at the National Cultural Centre (NCC).
He spoke with admiration about the instrumental way in which the play was tailored to suit the Guyanese audience and hailed the director and cast for an admirable job.
The book is based on Braithwaite’s experience as a schoolteacher in the East End of London some years after he attained a bachelor’s degree and a doctorate in physics at the University of Cambridge.
Braithwaite, a former student of Queen’s College, and then the City College of New York, was honoured for his outstanding contribution in the field of literature and effective service as a diplomat.
President Ramotar said he was honoured to bestow the Cacique Crown of Honour on “a man who has made us proud and has made Guyana’s name famous by his writings.”
He also made reference to Braithwaite’s tenure as a diplomat and the distinction with which he served. [Kaieteur News August 24, 2012]
LULU: “To Sir With Love”
Clips from closing scene and end credits featuring LULU’s “To Sir With Love” (1967) starring Sidney Poitier. … A great song!
Comments
This is only half the report. The Guyana press is really philistine. An equally important story is that the stage version of To Sir With Love was scripted and directed by a young woman of Buxton Ms. Mosa Telford.
eusi
Excellent !! Deserving Crown of Honour !! ERB is indeed ‘To Sir with Love’ . Congratulations !!
This prestine and prestigious award may have come a bit late in the life of our distinguished son of the soil, but none the less it represents the new thinking of Inclusiveness of the Ramoutar’s Pesidency. Let’s keep it up Mr President. Its never too late to learn! God Bless you and the people of Guyana.
A TRIBUTE TO GUYANESE SIR E.R BRAITHWAITE
ONE GUYANESE WE WILL CELEBRATE AND ALWAYS TREASURE.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOREVER!
Lulu – To Sir With Love – YouTube
► 2:49
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOVQ4vAmM7YApr 4, 2009 – 3 min – Uploaded by 45rpmSINGLES
1964 Shout 1964 Can’t Hear You No More 1964 Here Comes the Night 1965 Satisfied 1965 …
The movie, To Sir With Love, inspired me to become a teacher. Thanks Mr. Braithwaite.
Recognition for your achievements is never too late. Congratulations!
Congratulations Sir! All Guyana joins the president in applauding you.
Great to see this awared being presented. I always recall the contents of his book and the events that followed. Great Sir Ted Brathwaite.
I hope the teachers in the Alexandra School saga in Barbados get a chance to read Ted Braithwaite’s book and draw a parallel with the modus operandi of their Principal Mr. Jeff Broomes.. Why not play marbles with the kids and see how it feels”