PRESIDENT  Donald Ramotar,  First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar   and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds were among hundreds paying their last respects at a Prayer Service for the late Doodnauth Singh, S.C., former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, leading up to his cremation yesterday at the Good Hope Crematorium, East Coast Demerara.

The Prayer Service, done according to Hindu rites, was held on  the lawns of  Singh’s family home, Forshaw Street, Queenstown, where the body was open for viewing before and after the service.
The service was conducted by Pandit Mahendra Doobay with the final prayer being offered by Swami Akasharananda.
Others joining the bereaved family members in prayers on the solemn occasion, and mourning the loss of one whom Pandit Doobay referred to as a ‘Mahatma’, included members of the central executive of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic; Government ministers and parliamentarians; past and serving members of the judiciary; representatives of political parties; representatives of the Private Sector Commission, other associates and friends.
“We are gathered here on this solemn occasion to say goodbye to a divine soul and to reflect on some of the things he stood for; his focus; some of the goals he set for the nation and achievements…” Pandit Doobay said.
Amidst the kudos for the renowned son of the soil and legal luminary, who fought for the cause of justice, and who, in every respect had ‘put Guyana first’ Mr. Doodnauth Singh was remembered for his great works and selfless deeds.  He was alluded to as a shining example, whose life was worthy of emulation.
On this note, Pandit Doobay exhorted the assembly to pray and ask God that we may live selflessly, and to thank Him for the benefits that have accrued to this land. Considering how fragile life is, Pandit Doobay surmised that we need to ask ourselves, for whom will the bell toll next.
Doobay credited Doodnauth Singh as having been a very prayerful man, who was in touch with his Creator and who prayed ceaselessly, even as he was on the threshold of his death.  Noting that everyone is but an extension of the Supreme Being, Doobay added that it is important that this is reflected in our lives. “But if after living this life we have to go with regrets, then what was the purpose of living in this world?” he asked.
Meanwhile, in many other quarters, there were glowing tributes for the late Senior Counsel Doodnauth Singh, who had also been Chairman of the Elections Commission for a number of years.
President Ramotar observed that it is always very sad when we lose someone who has made such a great contribution to the nation.   The Head of State acknowledged that Mr. Doodnauth Singh, through the years, has indeed made great contributions to this country in myriad areas,  particularly in the areas of Human Rights and Civil Law.   He added that Mr. Singh will be greatly missed.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds commented:  “The passing of Mr. Doodnauth, our former Attorney General was a great loss for Guyana.” Making an assessment of his performance and alluding to some of the most popular cases he fought and won, Prime Minister Hinds was of the firm conviction that Mr. Singh had been one of the most skilled lawyers – one of the greatest legal minds we’ve had in our midst.
Adding his comments, Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Khemraj Ramjattan recalled that Mr. Doodnauth Singh had been one of his mentors.  “He had been a hero of mine for years when I was on the Corentyne.  I could always call on him to help out in so many areas and even when I became a lawyer he would always avail himself and give assistance whenever it was needed.  His passing was very, very sad, but life goes on and we now have to continue the journey from where he left off.”
Dr. Nanda Gopaul, Minister of Labour  reminisced about his experience working along with Doodnauth Singh ever since  Singh was a practising lawyer and  had cause to represent members of the board in court matters and even after he became Attorney General.
Dr. Gopaul recalled that Singh was a passionate fighter for democracy and had championed the cause of several oppressed members in the courts. He said also that Mr. Doodnauth Singh was always a man of equanimity – always very calm. He would discuss the issues freely, frankly and he was always jovial.  “I enjoyed working with him, but he was a very brilliant man,” Dr. Gopaul added.
Meanwhile, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Vice Chairman Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine who had known Mr. Doodnauth Singh for several years, dating back to the 1970s, recalled even contracting his services in a court matter against the state and winning the case. Through the years, they stayed in touch and remained good friends.  He later worked with Mr. Singh who by then had become Attorney General.
Said Dr. Roopnaraine: “He was essentially a person who took things very personally,and was highly respected by people on the bench.  He was a man of principles but was always very warm.”
Reacting to the news of Mr. Singh’s death, Dr. Roopnaraine said he was deeply saddened on receiving the news, but thought it might have brought him ultimate relief from his suffering.  “Today, as we can see from the assembly here, the nation has lost a good friend,” he concluded.