NALIS and Idakeda Group Limited joined forces to celebrate the eightieth birthday of Eintou Pearl Springer (Dr. hc). The intimate celebration with close family members and friends was held at the Heritage Library on Saturday November 30. 

The celebration, reminiscent of Eintou’s creative self, was filled with performances and tributes.  Christopher Best, Emmanuel Ansolia, Wendell Manwarren and Keon Francis delivered dramatic presentations which provided snapshots into some of Eintou’s plays. Musical tributes were delivered by Los Alumnos de San Juan; George Carter, founder of Amantes de Parranda; calypsonian Roderick ‘Chuky’ Gordon; pannist, Zuri Griffith-De Freitas, Marva Newton and Mavis John. Spoken word and poetic pieces were delivered by Jasmin Simmons, NALIS’ Director, Heritage Library Division, who also delivered remarks on behalf of the Authority; Attillah Springer, Mohip Poonawsie; and Wendell Manwarren.

Born in Cantaro, Santa Cruz on November 24, 1944, Dr Springer is acclaimed for her tremendous talents in the areas of poetry, writing, drama, storytelling and education. She was also lauded for her passionate advocacy for vulnerable young people facing social challenges. She contributed to the creation and development of NALIS, having served as the Senior Librarian at the West Indian Reference Library in Belmont, and was the founding Director of the Heritage Library from 1993 to 2003, when she retired.

Miss Eintou, as she is fondly called, created and taught the Caribbeana curriculum at both the associate and degree levels at the College of Science Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT).

Ms Springer was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from the University of Trinidad and Tobago in 2018, the Humming Bird Silver Medal, for her contribution to the development of Arts and Culture in 1996, and the Vanguard Award of the (NDATT) in 2004.  These awards speak to her deep commitment and impact in the creative arts.