I was driving to work this morning when the news announcer said in the headlines that Professor Rex Nettleford is dead. Immediately the bumps on my skin were raised. I knew Professor Nettleford was in a coma in a hospital in Washington, but somehow I expected him to come through eventually.
I was very fortunate to be a student of Professor Nettleford. He taught me Caribbean Politics at UWI Mona Campus during the academic year 1994 to 1995. He was the best teacher/lecturer I have ever had, without a doubt! He never came to class with a book in his hand. It was as if the information just flowed from his brain like oil from a bottle-smooth. He was a master of his craft or crafts.
It’s funny that when I started this blog two days ago, I mentioned his name as one of the intellectual giants, not only of the Caribbean but in the world. He has lectured at universities around the world and has more Honorary Doctorate Degrees than I could count on both hands. He was also a cultural giant. Those who saw him danced spoke with amazement of his grace and poise.