Iconic Caribbean writer George Lamming died today at the age of 94.

A cultural icon who mentored me through his written works (and in person when Gordon K. Lewis brought him as visiting author to the Institute of Caribbean Studies) passed away today.

Renowned Barbadian novelist and poet George Lamming died on Saturday at the age of 94. He passed away in Barbados four days short of his 95th birthday on June 8. Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, in a release following Lamming’s passing, said there would be an official funeral for the writer who was so integral to the literature of the region.

If you frequent my blog you will be familiar with the eternal quote from one of his landmark works at the heading:

"For I am a direct descendant of slaves, too near to the actual enterprise to believe that its echoes are over with the reign of emancipation. Moreover, I am a direct descendant of Prospero worshipping in the same temple of endeavour, using his legacy of language - not to curse our meeting - but to push it further..."

Rest in Power, Giant.