MEMBER of Parliament (MP) and General Secretary of the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA), Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj has issued a statement expressing condolences on his own behalf and on behalf of the association to the relatives and associates of former MP and Regional Chairman of Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands), Mr. Pariag Sukhai, who died last Sunday.

Sukhai, who was also a former General Secretary of the GRPA during the mid-80s to 1992, died at the Leonora ‘Cottage’ Hospital at approximately 03:15hrs last Sunday after complaining of feeling unwell. He was 87 years old.
Seeraj stated that Sukhai has served the GRPA and this nation loyally and well. He added that up until the time of his demise he shared a strong bond and was a respected elder within the hierarchy of the GRPA, who visited the organisation’s office often and offered advice as well as assistance whenever the need arose.
The GRPA, in its statement, assured Sukhai’s sister, Pearly, who was taking care of the political stalwart and agricultural expert, that the organisation would always continue to honour his work and contributions, which according to Seeraj, were exceptional and went beyond the call of duty, especially during the years he served as General Secretary.
He noted that those were some of the most difficult years in the agricultural sector, the rice industry not being excepted, and indeed some of the most difficult and dangerous years in the nation.
“During those oppressive and difficult years of intense struggle, Cde. Sukhai was the bedrock of the GRPA and kept the rice sector afloat. Even after his relinquishing the post of GRPA General Secretary to assume the position of Regional Chairman of Region Three, he retained an interest in the organisation and the sector,” he said.
Seeraj related that he is in agreement with Sukhai’s sister who said that his death came as a surprise to everyone since he was such a fighter who never allowed illness to overcome him.
However, he said that his mortality prevailed and the GRPA and the country have lost another stalwart in the struggle for justice and human rights.
Having served the PPP so well alongside Dr. Cheddi and Mrs. Janet Jagan, Seeraj noted that it is fitting that he joins them in the astral plane in this month of March during the observances of the death anniversaries of those two frontline fighters for freedom and democracy.
“The RPA mourns the passing of this national asset who fought with great courage alongside his comrades in struggle during the early days of the Guyana Independence Movement, and later on against dictatorship and the suppression of people’s rights,” he said.
Seeraj stressed that Sukhai will long be remembered for his selfless and dedicated service to the nation, which was always rendered with compassion and humility, albeit with a great deal of courage during the difficult years.
“He has helped many persons to better their lives, without fanfare and seeking no thanks, although he was uncompromising and a stickler for ethical approaches in problem resolution,” he added.
He also pointed out that Sukhai had served as President of the Guyana Agricultural Producers Association (GAPA) and during recent years as a Commissioner of Oaths to Affidavits and Justice of the Peace until his death on Sunday last.
According to Seeraj, his diligence in effecting tasks assigned to him in every capacity he served, his compassion for the downtrodden, his passion to right wrongs in the general society and his long struggle to protect the rights of people and to free the country of undemocratic rule would forever be remembered, especially in the various organisations he served so well and unreservedly.
“His exemplary and committed dedication to bettering lives of farmers, sugar workers and working class citizens of this country hallmarked the greatness of a simple, humble patriot who adhered to the principles of the great leader whose cause he espoused, Dr. Cheddi Jagan,” Seeraj concluded.