National icon David ‘Darkie’ Williams was honoured for his contribution to the theatre community by Sagicor for National Heroes Day 2021. In addition to being presented with an award, the Sagicor team got together to pay tribute to the well-known cultural contributor whose support of the community goes back 50 years.
General Agent and Principal Representative for Sagicor Life (EC) Inc. Mr. Stanley Browne presented the award to Mr. Williams and thanked him for his contribution to the very vital sector in St. Vincent.
“All of us are inspired by David who continues to use every fibre of his being to ensure that our culture is not diminished in any way. Our way of life is not to be devalued. Matters of culture are the things that are inherently Vincentian and we must hold them dear. David shows us the way.”
Mr. Williams who is well known in St Vincent as the “Father of Drumming” was overwhelmed and expressed his deep gratitude to Sagicor for the recognition. He said, “When I set out to do theatre almost 50 years ago, I wasn’t thinking of things like this. I grew up in culture, I grew up in a cultural house with grandparents who were deeply embedded in whatever there was for the performing arts back in the 1950s and 60s.
I thought the artform needed to take a different turn and I set out doing theatre and other aspects of the artform, seeing what I could contribute towards helping it to make that turn. Whatever are the perks that come with it I am pleased, and I feel honoured. Specifically I am honoured that Sagicor is recognizing me in this way. Thank you very much.”
David grew up in Sion Hill, where he lives to this day. Born into a family in which drumming was as natural as breathing, he began participating in cultural activities at an early age, and this led to an interest in and an eventual love for all things artistic.
His years embedded in culture and in the community of St Vincent coupled with training stints at the University of the West Indies, the Edna Manley School of Performing Arts and the John F Kennedy School of Performing Arts in Washington means that even now David’s experience is valued as an Assessor of practical in the Theatre Arts Exams for CXC.
