Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley is appealing to citizens to acknowledge their accomplishments rather than their failures. The PM made the comment on Monday evening at a ceremony for the renaming of Queen’s Hall Auditorium to the Winifred Atwell Auditorium.
The Prime Minister made the comment on Monday evening at a ceremony for the renaming of Queen’s Hall Auditorium to the Winifred Atwell Auditorium.
Rowley, hailed the endearing spirit of Atwell whose love for music broke barriers and placed T&T on the map.
“Today, on this anniversary of our Republican status, this country can do no less than to rediscover a woman of class who recognised us and took us to the highest highs before we knew ourselves,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that renaming the auditorium immortalised Atwell, who he said was a hero during a period when people believed there was little to celebrate.
“I took the opportunity to appeal to the country to spend a little more time acknowledging what we actually achieve and spend a little less time beating ourselves down. Acknowledging what we have done is a good way to drive us to do more,” he urged.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Randall Mitchell said the move was a step towards preserving the country’s history and cultural identity and was a tribute to Atwell’s inspiring journey.
“Winifred erased barriers with grace. She was more than a world famous performer but a trailblazer,” Mitchell said.
Grammy Award-winning British singer, songwriter and pianist Sir Elton John also recognised Atwell’s role in shaping his career and musical journey. In a video tribute John said he had been fascinated by Atwell whom he considered his idol.
“She gave me the momentum to become who I am. Congratulations to the Republic of T&T on renaming the Queen’s Hall Auditorium to the Winifred Atwell Auditorium, well deserved,” Sir Elton said.
Known as the Grand Dame of the Performing Arts, Queen’s Hall has been a venue for musicians for six decades.
The auditorium bearing Atwell’s name is expected to pay homage to her artistry and celebration of national heritage.
Atwell died in Sydney, Australia on February 28, 1983.
