Preserving Our Folklore Part 3

Person Dedicated to preserving Guyana’s Folklore

Born to Winslow Alexander McAndrew and Ivy McAndrew, Wordsworth McAndrew became an unyielding advocate for the collection, preservation, and celebration of Guyanese folk life. He has used all the types media possible - the speech, the poem, the article, the book, the radio programme, the rum-shop lime and other interpersonal channels - to make his case and promote the project. 

For almost five decades, McAndrew has been unfailing in his view that the collection, preservation, and celebration projects must be systematic, sustainable and accessible in order to preserve Guyana’s ‘unique identity’.

For example, in September 1961, The Evening Post reported on a presentation McAndrew made to the Cultural Society of the British Guiana Fire Brigade. He argued for the creation of a society to preserve (what was then) ‘Guianese’ folklore. He also said that there were many eminent ‘Guianese’ ‘who could form the nucleus of the society for the preservation of folklore.’

Whether the name of Mr McAndrew rings a bell or not – from today, it shall – he is a pioneer for Guyana’s folklore and has, in many ways, made it interesting. He has done his part and we should too, as loyal citizens of Guyana.