The Atlantic Book Awards Society and the Atlantic Publishers Marketing Association would like to respond to the letter to the editor by Dr. Pat Byrne published June 4 ("Giving credit where it is due") regarding the special recognition award presented to Clyde Rose at the Atlantic Book Awards event held in St. John's on May 17.
Obviously there are many people who have contributed to the development of both Newfoundland literature and Breakwater Books over the years, but as Dr. Byrne correctly points out, our purpose was to recognize Clyde Rose specifically; not including profiles of others was not a devaluing of their work in any way but in keeping with our intent to focus on the work of one person.
To have a lengthier, general presentation would not have been appropriate in the context of the larger event, but Mr. Rose did very graciously accept his award on behalf of the larger literary community.
Focused presentation
We wanted to keep the presentation brief and focused and could not realistically include remarks by everyone who might have wanted to participate, but chose what we felt was a good representative sample with those who spoke, both in person and in the video.
We feel we succeeded in the goals of our tribute.
Mr. Rose received a standing ovation and those in attendance (many of whom were from other provinces) gained an appreciation and awareness of the work of this notable individual.
The Atlantic Book Awards Society will always be indebted to the support of the Newfoundland literary community and the City of St. John's in particular, in bringing our event to St. John's this year.
Fine work
We have nothing but the deepest admiration for the fine work Dr. Byrne and so many others have done in developing such a strong regional literature, including Mr. Rose, whom we chose to single out for recognition this year.
Heather MacKenzie, president
Atlantic Book Award Society
Donna Francis, president
Atlantic Publishers Marketing Association
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