THE body of veteran journalist and radio broadcaster, Mohamad Raschid Osman, was yesterday laid to rest at Le Repentir Cemetery after a moving but uplifting Thanksgiving Service in celebration of his life at First Assembly of God Church on D’Urban Street, Wortmanville.A practicing journalist of international renown, and Assistant Sunday Editor of the Guyana Chronicle, Osman died peacefully in his sleep in the wee hours of the morning Saturday at his Bent Street, Wortmanville home, after returning from a select drama assignment earlier in the evening. He was 78.
Joining his grieving wife, Pastor Yvonne Osman, only child, Ruth, and other bereaved relatives in paying their last respects to the communications icon were Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, and Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine.
Other mourners and sympathiers, numbering in the hundreds, included: Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Guyana National Newspapers Ltd (GNNL), Ms. Jean LaRose; GNNL Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Nigel Williams; other members of the media fraternity; and members of the Assemblies of God fraternity. The officiating minister was the Rev. Raphael Massiah.
EXEMPLARY QUALITIES
In the outpouring of tributes in his honour, offered by representatives of the GNNL; the Osman family; the Zebeda/Alexander family and First Assembly of God Church, Mohamad Raschid Osman was hailed for his exemplary qualities as a man of substance, a father, husband and mentor who willingly, and with a sense of purpose, imparted his knowledge to the scores of journalists under his tutelage
Ms. Celicia Pariuag of the First Assembly of God Church, who grew up under his watch, remembered him as a true example of a man, husband and father.
“Brother Osman remains in my heart, a man of rare worth, a man of strength, and a man who loved his God.”
Referring to his calm demeanour but firm resolve, she recalled, “His presence spoke louder than his words, and when he did speak, his words were carefully selected and made significant impact. While he did not cause a stir wherever he went, he had the propensity to leave nuggets of wisdom, which caused you to think for a long time after your discourse.”
Editorial Consultant at the Guyana Chronicle, Mr. Godfrey Wray concurred that Raschid was a man who loved and lived for his family, who were always foremost in his conversations. He remembers him as having had a penchant for things classical, cultural and even culinary.
ALWAYS INCISIVE

As Wray put it, Mr. Osman was a reference book on every subject, except sports. “He was always incisive, not caustic; cryptic, never verbose.”
And, commenting on his mastery of the written word, Wray asserted: “His writings were gems, his reviews legendary. Raschid’s imprimatur will forever remain stamped on our hearts.”
Assistant Pastor of the First Assembly of God church, Raphael Jackman, gratefully acknowledged that Raschid Osman taught him lots of life’s values. “You afforded me the privilege to hear life issues addressed from a mature standpoint; you helped me to learn and value the art of listening; fine-tuned my grammar and desire for knowledge.”
And, reflecting on the good times spent with the elder Raschid Osman, Sherod Duncan wrote: “Thanks for the arguments and encouragements. Thanks for the laughs. Thanks for being a good father, and being a model as a husband to Pastor Yvonne Osman. Thanks for being a good citizen, public servant; a gentleman, and thanks for being a father and friend to me.”

ONE OF A KIND
To a sister, he was “One of a kind; so rare today. So gifted with music and writing; so full of love and appreciation. We were lucky enough to have a brother who is like no other. He gave so much love and care, and everyone still felt his special touch.”
Brother-in-law, Vincent Alexander spoke of his prowess as a journalist, literary and arts analyst, and a connoisseur of fine music. And, humble man that he was, even though he was an alumnus of Queen’s College, Raschid seldom spoke of that grounding or association. But his demeanour, knowledge and modesty spoke volumes. He later dedicated much of his life to knowledge sharing in the sphere of art, music and literature: The things he knew and loved best.
The eulogy was read by his daughter, Mrs. Ruth Rose, who remembered her father as a person who never lost his cool. He loved classic music and books. He was always well dressed; had a keen eye and a sharp wit, all characteristics which defined him from his days at Queen’s College and his 50-year-long career in the media.
He spoke passionately about books and classical musicians and jazz singers, and shared anecdotes from the lives of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.
She recalled young men and women gravitating to her father over the years, gripped by his wisdom, extensive knowledge and love of the arts.
Of Muslim parentage, Raschid Osman was introduced to the First Assembly of God Church in 1973 by his friend Rickey Singh, and having developed a thirst for the things of God, got baptised and became a member of the Church. His interest never waned; rather, his commitment grew from strength to strength, and he was later to become Treasurer of the Church, serving in that capacity for many years.
And, commending the way Mr. Osman shared his gifts with other people, Rev. Massiah, in his message, exhorted the congregation to have a plan to number their own days, and make the best of those days, in keeping with God’s will for their lives.

By Shirley Thomas