Exploring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Anthony Gabby Carter at National Library Service's Exhibition

The public can now have an in-depth look into the life and legacy of Cultural Ambassador the Most Honourable Dr Anthony Gabby Carter at the National Library Service’s Bridgetown headquarters.

A special collection of the calypso and folk icon’s heritage and cultural items was donated to the library as the exhibition opened to the public on Tuesday.

The exhibition was opened on Monday evening as specially invited guests got a preview of the exhibition.

Director of the National Library Service Jennifer Yarde noted that the display which represents the social history of Barbados includes books, photographs, manuscripts, music sheets and other memorabilia. His life-size wax figure is also among the items that attendees will see.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture Senator Dr Shantal Munro-Knight emphasised the significance of the donation in preserving our national identity.

Praising the exhibition, she said: “What you are doing Gabby should stand as a hallmark for others because again it suggests that you fundamentally understand that what you are, and what you have given to Barbados is not just about you but is for the country.”

Highlighting Carter’s contribution to the creative arts, calypso veteran Senator John King, the government’s special advisor on cultural heritage, told the gathering: “When the real story of Barbadian calypso is written, whenever that is done, The Mighty Gabby is going to be at the top of the conversation. Not only from winning calypso crowns, or writing songs, but there is a side of him that a lot of people do not get to see.”

“If you look at his body of work, historians and for future generations, if you wanted to know what Barbados was like at any particular period of time, you can look at Gabby’s work and have a clear vision of what the issues of the day were and how the general public felt about things, what politics was happening. Not only for a Barbadian context but if you look at the work that he has done across the globe. You are not just an artist, you are a historian, you are a philosopher but most of all you are probably one of the most generous people that God has ever placed on this earth.”

Spoken word artist Adrian Greene expressed gratitude for Gabby’s significant impact on the creative landscape by delivering a moving tribute. Long-time friend Tony Poser Grazette paid tribute in a medley of songs that were performed when the two entertainers were rookies on the hotel circuit, including This Magic Moment by the Drifters.

Caught up in the excitement of the moment, he was joined by Gabby on vocals. In a fun moment, the cultural ambassador whipped another ambassador to her feet – Chargé d’affaires of the Venezuelan Embassy Martha Gabriela Ortega Peraza – as they danced to the song.

Composer and University of the West Indies academic, Dr Stefan Walcott, in a feature address that drew on his doctoral thesis in Cultural Studies, explained the role of calypso in national development highlighting the contribution of Gabby.

In an intimate speech, Dr Carter paid homage to his close friend, the late Richard Stoute, through the self-penned poem, National Hero Richard Stoute which eloquently reflected on his life and legacy in the entertainment scene.

Soon to be added to the collection will be the very first guitar Gabby learned to play in 1960. This instrument, donated to him by the Venezuelan Embassy and David McLean, the son of Carlton McLean who taught him to play, holds a special significance.

Gabby said: “I have had many gifts in my life, and this is the most treasured gift I have ever received.”

The donation of this cherished piece is expected to add an extra layer of sentiment and history to the already remarkable ensemble of memorabilia on display.

(STT)