Ryan Bachoo
Lead Editor - Newsgathering
Renowned writer and historian, Michael Anthony, has passed away at the age of 91. He was once named one of the 50 most influential people in Trinidad and Tobago.
His family confirmed in a statement, "It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our beloved father, who passed away peacefully last night at home surrounded by his family."
The statement continued, "Michael was an icon and a giant in the literary world and his legacy is deeply woven into the tapestry of our nation, which he loved so dearly. Above all, Michael was an adoring husband, father and grandfather and we will miss him deeply. We thank you for your well wishes, and we kindly ask for privacy during this difficult time."
The Mayaro-born author scripted novels and short stories about domestic life in his homeland of Trinidad.
The Year in San Fernando is one of his most prominent works. His first novel, The Games Were Coming published in 1963, is the story of Leon, an ascetic young bicyclist who neglects the annual carnival in order to train for an upcoming race.
In the mid-1950s, he worked at the Reuters News Agency.
In 1979 he was awarded the Hummingbird Gold Medal for his contribution to literature, in 2003 he received an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies, and in 2012 was awarded a NALIS Lifetime Literary Award.
