Published 29 January 2021
Buckie Got It,
Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
TRIBUTE TO CICELY TYSON
The world has lost a gifted icon at 96yrs. Defined by genuine compassion, professional dignity, unflinching courage and graceful candor, Cicely never accepted acting roles that scorned black culture or devalued her self worth or stained her feminine struggle.
Instead, she captured, embodied and portrayed vividly, images of fortitude and resilience. She became an irreplaceable example for the next generation of black actors to follow.
For 40 years, Ms. Tyson’s career soared. Her talents-craft in film, dramatic art, television and theatre mesmerized international audiences.
During my tenure as Prime Minister of St Kitts & Nevis, I had the great honour of extending an invitation to her as my special guest at the annual Prime Minister Grand New Year’s Gala. Cicely spoke with wit and wisdom, clarity and intelligence. We were all so fixated and impressed with her presentation, that she received, with grace, a prolonged standing ovation.
Against the backdrop of amassing honorary Oscars and Emmy, Tonny awards, Ms. Tyson expressed a fierce African American consciousness mixed with refined Caribbean values. She did not lose sight of her proud St. Kitts and Nevis parental heritage, which laid the foundation for her high standards.
My life has been enriched having known and shared memorable moments with Cicely Tyson. Her eminent shoes will remain empty, but her indomitable spirit and powerful legacy will ring through the ages.
May her soul Rest In Peace and rise in eternal glory!
Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L Douglas,
Leader, Parliamentary Opposition,
Prime Minister,
St Kitts&Nevis (1995-2015).
