THE Office of the President is saddened by the death of Pandit Shri Prakash Gossai, Special Assistant to His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo.

President Bharrat Jagdeo presenting the Medal of Service Award to Shri Prakash Gossai at State House in 2004

Pandit Gossai died early yesterday morning in the United States of America where he was medivaced over the weekend for emergency treatment for a heart condition. He became ill last Thursday evening after leaving work and was admitted to the Balwant Singh Hospital and subsequently transferred to the Caribbean Heart Institute (CHI).

His Excellency President Jagdeo, reacting to the news of the death of the late Pandit Gossai, made the following comments:

“Pandit Gossai was a true patriot, an outstanding religious leader with long and dedicated service to the moral, spiritual and social development of Guyanese and Hindus throughout the world. He was a humanitarian who did extensive work in communities across Guyana.

Throughout his long and distinguished career, Pandit Gossai led by example and inspired everyone with whom he made contact. Indeed, Guyana has lost a true son with his passing; but the leadership and courage he demonstrated will always remain an inspiration for the Hindu community in Guyana and elsewhere.

Pandit Gossai will be remembered for his contributions to Indian culture and excellent mobilisation skills in the Hindu community. He spread happiness and made hearts blossom with his charisma, melodious voice and expertise in musical instruments.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family members, as well as his friends and devotees. The late Pandit Gossai will be dearly missed by this nation which he served so faithfully”.

The Office of the President will hold a wake today for the late Pandit Gossai at Castellani House, Vlissengen Road, Georgetown.
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