THE Central Committee and the entire membership of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) are saddened by the death of one of its leading stalwarts, Cde. Navin Chandarpal, who passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2014.

Cde. Chandarpal was, at the time of his passing, a member of the Central and Executive Committee of the Party. He started out as a member of the Progressive Youth Organisation, rising to the post of General Secretary.

The PPP, in a message, said Chandarpal played an active role in student politics and at one time was elected President of the University of Guyana Student’s Society (UGSS). Those were the days when the PNC regime sought to control all facets of national and student life but Cde. Navin Chandarpal succeeded in defeating the PNC-sponsored candidates to take control of the student body at a time when all national and regional elections were massively and blatantly rigged by the PNC regime.

Cde. Chandarpal represented the PPP and the PYO at several meetings and seminars both locally and internationally. He played a key role in the struggle against imperialism and dictatorial rule in the country.

Following the restoration of democratic rule and the assumption of the PPP/C to office in October 1992, Cde. Chandarpal served in several capacities including that of Minister of Agriculture and as Presidential Adviser, a position which he held until the time of his passing.

He served in several other Committees such as the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, and the Cheddi Jagan Commemoration Committee both of which he was Chairman.

He was the husband of Indra Chandarpal who, like him, also served at the leadership of the Party and as a former Government Minister and currently holds the post as Chairman of the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO).

The PPP wishes to express its deepest condolences to his wife Cde. Indra, his two children, Geeta and Robin, relatives, friends and the entire Party membership on his passing.

This is indeed a great loss to the Party but his sterling contributions, his dedication, commitment and loyalty to the Party will no doubt serve to inspire others in the struggle for a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Guyana.

May his soul rest in peace!