Arif Ali, has just been awarded an Honorary Doctorate for Excellence in Arts and Letters by the University of Guyana.
About Arif Ali
Arif was born in Danielstown, Essequibo, in 1935 and came to London in 1957 intending to study. However, his further education was to take a back seat because he prioritised employment in order to send money back home to his family.
He had a number of jobs, including hospital porter; a bus driver for London Transport (where he also represented LT at tennis); and then the owner of a grocer’s shop in north London that catered to the needs of London’s burgeoning West Indian community. And it was from this shop, which also sold newspapers that came in from the Caribbean, that the publishing seed was planted.
About Hansib Publications
Hansib Publications was Arif’s brainchild, which he founded in 1970 [the name ‘Hansib’ derived from the names of his parents].
From its first publication, the monthly magazine, West Indian Digest, published in 1971), Hansib has grown into a significant force in the world of Caribbean publishing. This first, small step marked the beginning of a journey that would span decades; a journey that would leave an indelible mark on the cultural and literary landscape of the Caribbean diaspora.
The company’s mission has always been clear: To celebrate the rich heritage and diverse experiences of the Caribbean people.
Since its establishment, Hansib has published an array of magazines, periodicals and newspapers, namely the campaigning weekly newspapers West Indian World, Caribbean Times, Asian Times and African Times.
In book publishing, the company’s first and ground-breaking work was the Who’s Who of West Indians in Britain, published in the mid-1970s. Since then, it has published hundreds of books, including the insightful biographies and speeches of Caribbean leaders; historical accounts; works of fiction and poetry; sport; plus an impressive series of coffee-table books featuring almost all of the nations of the English-speaking Caribbean.
Under Arif’s leadership, Hansib has dedicated itself to documenting the 500-year Caribbean odyssey, and it has consistently provided a platform for Caribbean voices to be heard.
His unwavering vision has always been to document and preserve the Caribbean story – from the colonial era to the present day. The books have, hopefully, informed, inspired and entertained generations of readers… and we hope to continue doing so for many years to come!
Testament|
This extraordinary recognition by the University of Guyana is a testament to the enduring impact Arif and his publishing company have made. It is a tribute to his vision and his commitment to Caribbean culture.
