By Tanya Batson, Staff Reporter 
Coverley
THE PASSAGE of great men cannot go unacknowledged. If nature herself does not mourn the passing, then it is up to humanity to mark the ending of light. The death of Eric Coverley, also known as 'Chalk Talk', will therefore be marked by the Little Theatre Movement (LTM), today, at the Little Theatre.
Eric Winston Coverley, the late husband of the Honourable Louise Bennett Coverley, died at the age of 91, on August 7. He started his journey to the other side from his sleep, literally taking 'sleep to mark death'.
Born to a talented family on July 23, 1911, Coverley received his title of 'Chalk Talk' during the early part of his career. The name was in recognition of his ability to combine cartoon illustrations with traditional storytelling. He was good with the chalk and with talk.
A cartoonist, visual artist, and stand-up comedian, his work included much more that storytelling and illustrations. In the 'talk' arena, Coverley also engaged in stand-up routines, in which he partnered with the late Florizel Glasspole, former Governor- General of Jamaica.
Coverley also produced 'talk' on-stage. He has been described as a major impresario, having produced 21 Christmas concerts as well as Easter morning concerts. He also produced several other shows in both corporate and rural Jamaica.
Through these numerous productions, Coverley was able to discover and encourage much of Jamaica's much lauded theatre talent. Among these is his widow.
Also known as 'Maas Eric', Coverley was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) in 1949. In 1979, he was awarded the Order of Distinction (OD) for his contribution to the development of Jamaican art and culture. In 1980, he received the Centenary Medal of the Institute of Jamaica for Drama and Dance, and in 1999, he was awarded the Silver Musgrave Medal for 'Outstanding Merit in the area of Popular Arts: Theatre'.
Coverley's talents with his hands also contributed to the development of festival. His wit went into the creation of caricatures which were then used to create amusing effigies of public figures which were a part of the festival float parade for years. He also designed and oversaw the building of the floats.
Coverley was also Jamaica's most significant calligrapher. His powerful pen has left its mark on several decorative scrolls for state and official occasions.
Not surprisingly therefore, Jamaica's creative minds want to pay tribute to this man. The event will feature Marjorie Whylie, Cecil Cooper, Lois Kelly-Miller, Leonie Forbes, the LTM National Pantomime Company, the National Dance Theatre Compan and David Reid. Guiding the proceedings will be the Honourable Barbara Gloudon, Chairperson of the LTM. Tributes to Mr. Coverley will be paid by the Honourable Professor Rex Nettleford and Charles Hyatt, among others.
The tribute, which begins at 5:30 p.m., will be open to the public.
