When I passed my General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level exams, the usual congratulations came in from family and friends. When one particularly close family friend - whom I saw and interacted with almost daily - finally got around to congratulating me several weeks after the results were known, my outspoken mother remarked, "You're late, late, late."

Her admonishment was meant to convey the sentiment that, although eventually given, the congratulation so long after the fact had lost much of its significance. The congratulation from that family friend was obviously an afterthought and therefore it seemed almost trite. It felt as if it was grudgingly given just because the family friend knew that it was deserved but was either disinclined or disinterested in giving it. Either way, the delay diminished the sentiment it was meant to convey.

And so, as I watched the wife of the late Wycliffe Bennett, Dr Hazel Bennett, stride bravely up to receive his posthumous Order of Jamaica (O.J.) award, I was saddened to think that this overdue tribute was bestowed after his passing. After all, it was common knowledge that he was ailing for several years and was quite ill before bidding a long goodbye recently.

Legendary

Wycliffe Bennett O.J. has been dubbed 'legendary' for good reason. He was a long-standing media and arts icon from several perspectives. He was the premier and consummate teacher of elocution to most of our media greats and performing arts stalwarts. His training and perfectionism was transmitted to and became a part of those charged with the duty of imparting the news on a daily basis, narrating documentaries and historical events or orating at grandiose national productions.

A little over three years ago his list of accomplishments were immortalised in the documentary, 'The Legendary Wycliffe Bennett'. He has made invaluable contributions to the Creative Production and Training Centre Limited (CPTC), the Ward Theatre Foundation, the (now defunct) Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation, the Jamaica School of Drama, the Jamaica School of Music and the National Arts Festival Movement.

He was the man behind several Independence Day celebrations during the years when it was the grandest of all gala performances at the National Stadium. In addition to his numerous productions of national and theatre events, Wycliffe Bennett was an author. He was also a mentor and represented a constant reminder of the standard to which our theatre and arts should be held.

Cultural giant

His contribution to our country surpassed six decades. It will leave an indelible mark on our nation. His name was synonymous with the very best that our country had to offer. We had the good sense and presence of mind to honour Byron Lee with the O.J. mere days before his transition, but somehow, this deserving cultural giant who gave so much to so many for so long was not as fortunate.

Wycliffe Bennett received several accolades including the Silver Musgrave medal and the Order of Distinction, Commander Class, but it's a shame that we waited until after his passing to honour him appropriately.

Now, he will never know that his country considered him to be 'a citizen of outstanding distinction'. His wife, family, friends, students and admirers always knew it but the belated award was a major faux pas.

Honouring him posthumously gives the impression that the upliftment and preservation of our theatre and culture are not as important as our popular music and record-breaking track performances. At least Wycliffe Bennett's O.J. will be shared, appreciated and cherished by all who gained from his tutelage and guidance.

Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice. Feedback may be sent to garthrattray@gmail.com or columns@gleanerjm.com.