Professor Michael Thelwell, a Jamaican who accompanied Nigerian writer, Chinua Achebe, to Jamaica, spoke candidly about the magnificence of Achebe's spirit, at the Undercroft, UWI, Mona campus, last Thursday afternoon.

Saying that while Achebe's words are read by millions, "He personally as a human being is loved and admired." Thelwell recounted getting a call about he being in an accident in Nigeria 16 years, only six months after a conference to celebrate his work. The impact of that accident, which has left Achebe in a wheelchair, was so great that Thelwell went into depression.

And then he got a call from a voice that was 'faint, but recognisable', which said, "I am calling you to tell you I am getting better, I am being treated very well."

Enough to get me out

Thelwell said, "Just hearing that voice was almost enough to get me out of bed." However, what really got him going was when, "I said something stupid about what a great tragedy it was."

Achebe replied, "I've been very fortunate. If you see the car you will know I am very fortunate to be alive."

"It was not said for effect," Thelwell said. He asked himself, 'What are you doing here lying down?', and got up and got going.

"The accident made travel very difficult. The brother does not accept invitations to travel unless it is important to him," Thelwell said, to applause. For Achebe's safety there are specifications, which have to be met. Not all of them were, but Achebe said to Thelwell, "I am satisfied your people have done their best. It is now incumbent on me to do my best."

"That is the spirit of the person you are welcoming here," Thelwell said.

- M. C.