I HAVE had the honour and privilege, on several occasions, to meet and campaign on the political platform with Dr Dale Arlington Bisnauth. I was always moved and deeply touched by the sincere way in which he expressed his beliefs, whether he was discussing religious issues or political issues that impacted on  poor people’s lives.

Dr Dale Arlington Bisnauth acted and spoke the way he did because he was the son of a fisherman, who hailed from Better Success, Essequibo Coast. The former Minister of Education was also a member of parliament and was a serving priest of the Presbyterian churches in Guyana, who championed the cause of the poor and down-trodden. He was well known both locally and internationally.
He has fearlessly represented his country and the churches at countless meetings overseas. He was indeed a true patriot to his country and people. Dr Dale Arlington Bisnauth was called by the late Executive President of Guyana, Dr Cheddi Bharrat Jagan, to serve the PPP Government in 1992 as the Minister of Education. He also worked as Minister of Labour, Human Services and Social Security for a number of years.
The late minister had a sound knowledge of the education sector in Guyana, especially the “No Repetition policy.” He had used his wealth of experience to lobby in parliament for improved conditions for teachers and students. This “simple country boy” who was born in Better Success, Essequibo Coast, was a “grass root” man. He had his own style in dealing with educators and students’ problems.
Our country, the education sector and the churches in particular suffered a great loss by his passing. We, as a people, will have to work on the foundation he has laid to continue building the education sector and the churches of our country. His demise came as shock to all, although we knew that he was sick for a long time. His exuberance and simplicity encouraged those who came into contact with him to be steadfast and relentless under pressure and to be hopeful while working to achieve better goals.
He will be remembered by all as a fighter, all the way, in the interest of people, especially the people who campaigned with him in 1992 and beyond. He was not only a leader, but a leader who was always searching for a vision for his country to achieve its full potential.