Close-Up Talk Radio Spotlights author Anne R. Wagner

The life of William Gregory Smith was sadly engrossed by accusations, character assassinations, despair, and deceit. A hard-working, self-taught, and caring man was forced into a life on the run, not because of any violent actions of his own, but due to the actions of those around him.

In “Assassination Cry of a Failed Revolution” published by Xlibris (2007), Anne details the account of all that William Gregory Smith faced after the assassination of Dr. Walter Rodney, leader of the group, Working People Alliance in Guyana.

 It was his knowledge, skill, and earned respect that introduced him to Dr. Walter Rodney and the WPA. As Anne puts it, “He worked with and was a close friend of Dr. Rodney but when Rodney and the WPA asked William to make hand-made bombs to help overthrow the Guyanese government, my brother refused. He wanted no part of such violence.”

“It was a tumultuous time in Guyana. The country was headed in a bad direction. It was all about “I” and “Me”. There was corruption everywhere.  Even worse, we lacked unity and trust,” sighs Wagner.

On June 30^th 1980, a bomb exploded in the car that WPA leader Dr. Rodney was riding in. After his death, Anne received a phone call from her brother who was in tears and in shock from Dr. Rodney’s assassination. William’s shock turned to horror as he would be labeled the bomber by the WPA.

“William’s reputation was ruined. He had no voice. There was never any proof behind the accusations. To all that knew him, it was unbelievable.”

For more information about Anne Wagner and “Assassination Cry for a Failed Revolution” email awagner43@verizon.net.