It is with deep regret that I write to inform you that on Monday 9th June 2008, our well-respected and loved Coordinator of Voices (B’dos) Collective, Deborah Callender, passed away at the Q E H after a brief illness.

Details of the funeral arrangements shall be posted through this forum as soon as they become available.

Please feel free to use this address to direct words of condolences to Debbie’s mom, siblings and other members of family suffering the pain of the sudden loss of their loved one.

Permit me to suggest that the entire literary arts community of Barbados and their respective counterparts in the region and further abroad, have lost a dedicated and talented writer whose commitment to the literary arts has won the admiration and respect of her peers.

I am truly honoured to have had the privilege of working with Debbie, and to have had the pleasure of her friendship.

Gregory

Deborah Callendar introduced me to VOICES, NIFCA, anything to do with the
local literary arts and all of you which I am so so so grateful for. She
will always hold a special place in my heart. My condolences go out to Jean
Callendar and the entire family and friends. You have truly lost a treasure
but never forget to remember and celebrate her.

Until we meet again Debbie...

D.J Simmons

Please accept my condolences, on behalf of my family and I.
 
Doriel G-Skinner

--- On Thu, 6/12/08, gregory fitt <gregp...@yahoo.com> wrote:

From: gregory fitt <gregp...@yahoo.com>
Subject: notice to all
To: bajanvoices@googlegroups.com
Date: Thursday, June 12, 2008, 1:55 PM

To all Members and Affiliates

It is with deep regret that I write to inform you that on Monday 9th June 2008,
our well-respected and loved Coordinator of Voices (B’dos) Collective, Deborah
Callender, passed away at the Q E H after a brief illness.

Details of the funeral arrangements shall be posted through this forum as soon
as they become available.

Please feel free to use this address to direct words of condolences to
Debbie’s mom, siblings and other members of family suffering the pain of the
sudden loss of their loved one.

Permit me to suggest that the entire literary arts community of Barbados and
their respective counterparts in the region and further abroad, have lost a
dedicated and talented writer whose commitment to the literary arts has won the
admiration and respect of her peers.

I am truly honoured to have had the privilege of working with Debbie, and to
have had the pleasure of her friendship.

Gregory

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It's almost impossible to marshall your thoughts at a time like this.
Forgive me if I ramble.

Deborah Callender's talent, rapier sharp intelligence, selflessness
and verve shine on.

At a reading or book launch or play or some artistic endeavour, I'd
look for her signature russet or blonde (or whatever colour Adzil
Stuart dreamed up) head.  I couId still see sequins sparkling on one
of her innumerable black outfits and her pretty, always-well-pedicured
feet.  This 21st century renaissance woman put her EVERYTHING into
EVERYTHING-including of course, her writing and her performances.

I can still hear her biting repartee and laughter now as we'd drink
coffee. I would often say something silly just to hear her chortle.
We weathered much/shared much together and I just took picking up the
phone often, to call my spirit sister, my friend, for granted.

We attended Greg Fitt's Dad's funeral together.  After we agreed that
we both only attended funerals if  we really had to, I remember her
turning to me and saying, "Sanj (that was her nickname for me), I make
it a policy never to wear black to a funeral.  Any other colour but
black."  She believed in celebrating life, with all its shades, to the
very brim.  Don't look for me in black at hers.

Debby's family, in particular her mum, Jean know how much she is loved
and missed.  They know she has touched many souls and engendered many
creative outpourings by the writing community.

As the Co-ordinator of VOICES, much beyond preparing for the end of
month reading at the Museum, is expected.  It is work for which you
are not paid and often have to devote your own resources and time to
continue.  Tact, innovation, creativity, faith, dedication, skill/
love for literary arts, respect, empathy, a nurturing spirit, thrift
(a little insanity) and excellent communication skills emerged as the
unofficial requirements.  Debby had all this in spades and more.

This very website is a product of Debby's commitment to keep writers
connected.  She fought for our causes.

Somehow, I know she knows right now, we're feeling challenged and
loving her.  She's probably writing about it too.

But girl, just typing this - I just feel gutted.  I miss you Debs.

*********************************************************************
Gregory and DJ your tributes were beautifully expressed.

I also add my request for you to share your memories of Debby right
here - in writing.

For those of you on FACEBOOK.COM, you may also add your thoughts to De
Carla Applewhaite's and view some of Debby's pictures.

That's what she would have wanted.

I wish to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Deborah. Although I never had the pleasure of knowing her, based on the comments from those who knew her, she must have been a nice person. Once again, my deepest regret on her passing.

Ken B. Williams

p.s. If there is anyone in Bajan Voices who might be interested in discussing Herbal Supplements, please feel free to call me at (427-8698). I would be happy to help.

Karieta

--- On Thu, 6/12/08, gregory fitt <gregp...@yahoo.com> wrote:

Margaret (Maggie) Phillips

My partner and I would like to offer condolences to the family of
Deborah(Debbie) Callender.
The Debbie I remember worked tirelessly with and at making each Voices
Collective session
a memorable one. I believe she shall be missed but spirit never dies.
Adversity strengthens although we may not think so at the time. To
Debbie's mom and family
I would like to suggest right now not to allow her work to be forgotten
- keep it out there. Don't
allow anyone else to 'run with it'. Again condolences.

Lives are in the making here...........
Pluming wings for higher flight........
......Truest fame lies in high endeavour
........keep her flame burning brightly ever..........
Up and on.

Sheron

On 12Jun2008, at 1:55p.m, gregory fitt wrote:

Unfortunately I am off island and will not be back in time to attend  
her funeral.  She will be in my thoughts often.  She made a meaningful  
contribution to Voices and our community.

June

Quoting gregory fitt <gregp...@yahoo.com>:

My sincere condolences to Debbie's Family.

I just took a minute to read my mails and realised, we have lost one close to our heart - she was so dedicated to this forum, I believe she is the one who may have even set up this group site for all of us to communicate with one another.

It is time we as aspriring writers prepare and sign a petition begging the Government to do something with that Hospital - too many people I've known have gone in and did not come out alive.  It is a sad shame on our society.

Time to speak out - and ask for help.

Dearest,

Marie