Veteran politician cum academician, Navin Chandarpal, passes away

AFTER a long fight with stomach cancer, veteran politician and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) stalwart, Navin Chandarpal, 63, passed away yesterday morning at his East Coast Demerara home.

And the tributes from colleagues he has worked with for decades have been pouring in ever since.
The Guyana Chronicle spoke to several of Chandarpal’s well-wishers, all of whom contend that he was committed, hardworking, inspirational person who contributed significantly to the development of Guyana.
The PPP, in a statement, said, “The Central Committee and the entire membership of the PPP is saddened by the death of one of its leading stalwarts, Comrade Navin Chandarpal.
“…The PPP wishes to express its deepest condolences to his wife, Comrade Indra; his two children, Geeta and Robin; and relatives, friends and the entire Party membership on his passing.
“This is indeed a great loss to the Party, but his sterling contributions; his dedication, commitment and loyalty to the Party will no doubt serve to inspire others in the struggle for a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Guyana.”

At the time of his passing, Chandarpal was a member of the Central and Executive Committee of the Ruling Party.
The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has also expressed sympathy at Chandarpal’s passing.
In a statement, the Party said, “The Central Executive Committee and members of the PNCR extend sincere condolences to Mrs. Indra Chandarpal, M.P., and other relatives and friends of Mr. Chandarpal. Mr. Navin Chandarpal’s passing is a great loss to his Party, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).”
The Alliance For Change (AFC), too, issued a statement on his passing. It said, “The Alliance For Change is saddened by the death of Navin Chandarpal, a former Government Minister and Presidential Advisor.
“The late Chandarpal has served his country in several fields, as a teacher, youth and student leader, and in the fields of trade unionism and politics.
“The AFC shares the loss of Chandarpal, and expresses sympathy with his wife, Indra, and his children and other members of the bereaved family.”
Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, who functions in a portfolio once held by Chandarpal, acknowledged the many contributions he made to the agriculture sector, as well as the country.
He said, “As Agriculture Minister, Navin played an important role in setting the stage for the transformation of the drainage and irrigation system. He was also pivotal in putting the rice industry on a new pathway.
“He has certain legacies that sometimes we forget, but his work has resulted in many developments. One of his legacies is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); he was the architect of the EPA, which is something that we often forget.
“Navin also played an important role in the establishment of the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB). Today, the Board is regarded as a best practice throughout CARICOM, and Guyana is seen as a leader in regulating the use of toxic chemicals and the responsible use of toxic chemicals, as well as the use of pesticides.”
According to Dr. Ramsammy, Chandarpal was also a premier freedom fighter in the Ruling Party’s struggle for freedom and democracy.
He said, “He played a significant role in many areas: As a freedom fighter, as well as when it came to integrating science and technology in the development of the areas where he worked and, by extension, the country as a whole. Navin will be sorely missed, for sure.”
CEO of the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) and former Education Minister, Mr. Shaik Baksh, reiterated similar sentiments, and also reflected on Chandarpal’s contribution as an Education Minister.
He said, “We have lost a real professional and technically-skilled expert. When I was Minister of Education, he was instrumental in crafting a national science and technology strategy. He worked hard for two years; it is to his credit that the Ministry of Education was able to complete that document.
“He was always supportive of science education, and worked closely with the coordinator of science education at the Ministry of Education.”
According to Baksh, Chandarpal was a close friend and colleague for many years. “We were always able to have discussions of many important matters. He will be missed; that is for sure.”
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) President, Mr. Komal Chand, is another long-standing friend of Chandarpal, who has known him since his days in the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), as well as during his tenure at the GAWU School.
Chand, said, “His death was expected, in that he was sick for some time with cancer. The fact that he has passed sends a message to one that we have lost a great patriot, comrade and political leader. He served in different capacities, and served with distinction. He will be missed very much by the people he worked with; by the people he befriended; and by the country for the many contributions he has made to Guyana.”
PPP stalwart, Mr. Hydar Ally, also offered his condolences to the Chandarpal family. He said, “It is indeed a very tragic loss, because I knew Comrade Chandarpal since my early PYO days, and I have to say that he was an inspiration to me as a young man growing up in that organisation.
“I admired him for his sharpness of intellect, commitment, and dedication to the Party. We served on both the Central and Executive Committees, and I happened to be his neighbour; so we were very close. He was such a wonderful person: A man of honesty, integrity and one who was willing to do whatever political assignment he was asked to do.”

DISTINGUISHED CAREER
Chandarpal, before his death, functioned as Presidential Advisor on Sustainable Development, Science and Technology.
He entered politics while a student at the Richard Ishmael Secondary School, starting out as a member of the PYO, and rising to the post of General Secretary.
Chandarpal also played an active role in student politics, and was at one time elected President of the University of Guyana Student’s Society (UGSS).
He also represented the PPP and the PYO at several meetings and seminars, both locally and internationally. He played a key role in the struggle against imperialism and dictatorial rule in the country.
Following the restoration of democracy and the assumption to office of the PPP/C in October 1992, Chandarpal served in several senior Government positions.
He also served on several other Committees, such as the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre and the Cheddi Jagan Commemoration Committee, both of which he was Chairman. (By Vanessa Narine)