Throughout history, religious leaders have served in simultaneous capacities

of political leaders or advisers; and these instances were not always meant for the good of the populace, but often to serve narrow and selfish agendas. One can recall when King Henry VIII wanted to divorce his Roman Catholic wife Mary to marry his mistress Anne Boleyn.
Of course such a course was against the dictates of the church and this request to the pope was unequivocally rejected.  Not being able to receive a papal dispensation did not faze Henry, and he duly appointed himself as Head of the Church of England and thus accomplished his goal – the rest is history.
The Islamic world proliferates with political leaders who are simultaneously heads of clergy; and the Hindu texts, especially the Ramayan, expound on the advisory role of saints and sages to kings and leaders, the most famous being Valmiki.
In Guyana also, several religious leaders have joined with political parties in attempts to effect changes that would benefit society; and Reverend Dale Bisnauth and Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud have played no small part in shaping societal changes through both their political and religious leadership roles.
Although they belonged to different faiths, their foci and goals merged at a confluence that took a path of service to the entire nation through their ministerial portfolios within the PPP, initially for Pandit Reepu; and in the PPP/C, post-1992 elections, for both men.
Pandit Reepu had struggled for decades, together with Dr. Cheddi Jagan and other PPP stalwarts, in the forefront of Guyana’s fight for freedom from colonial domination and the restoration of democracy in Guyana’s societal landscape; while Reverend Bisnauth had joined the fight for the restoration of democracy through the encouragement of Dr. Jagan; but both men served their homeland with dedication and patriotism beyond the call of duty.
The blogs on the social sites are pouring in and one post, as follows reflects the general sentiments:
Robert Rafi Mohamed: “The greatest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude”!
With the demise of Reepu Daman Persaud, the country indeed has lost one of its champions for democracy and the propagation and perpetuation of Hinduism.
I have known Reep since my childhood days, both as a political comrade, a personal friend and a Pandit. I remember him being referred to as the youngest and most learned Pandit in Guyana in those days, excelling in the presentation and explanation of the Ramayan. With his Dharmic Sabha, he stood up against Burnham’s cronies in the Maha Sabha and Pandits’ Council.
On behalf of all of us at New York’s Indo-Caribbean Radio, and myself personally, we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to his bereaved family, devotees of the Dharmic Sabha, and the PPP. May Lord Rama abundantly bless his soul and grant him everlasting peace. R.I.P Reep!”
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall posted: “A Guyanese political icon, a religious giant, a guru and a comrade has fallen. Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud is dead. In the over 50 years of public life, Cde Reep has transformed and touched the life of thousands. His sojourn in this material world has come to an end. To his family, I extend my deepest sympathies. May his soul rest peacefully at the lotus feet of Prabhu shri Ram.”
Former President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo posted: “The memories of our dear brother Pandit Reepu are indelible in our hearts. He truly was an epitome of strength and courage. May his family find peace and comfort during this trying time & may his soul rest in perfect peace.”
They have undoubtedly earned their rest from the affairs of men and now join Dr. Jagan in the abode where great and good mortals abide after a life of service to their fellow man.  It can only be imagined that the debates would be fast and profound; and if the Heavenly host proves undemocratic, then the debates would certainly engender action to restore democracy to Heaven – a simple feat for three seasoned freedom-fighters.