IT was our great national poet Martin Carter who wrote that death must not find us thinking that we die. As I reflected on the passing of my dear comrade and friend Navin Chandarpal, I could not help but recall those words which to a very large extent described the manner in which this noble son of the soil departed this earthly kingdom.

I have some vivid recollections of Cde. Navin, as he was fondly called by his comrades, during his final days. Despite his terminal illness, he never gave anyone the impression that he was in any hurry to depart for the heavenly kingdom. He gave his usual funny jokes and make you laugh even though deep within him he knew that the battle with cancer was getting the better of him. But that was Navin Chandarpal, a fighter and revolutionary who never allowed adversity to stand in the way, even against the odds.

I have the greatest respect and admiration for Navin. Indeed, he was one of those leaders who inspired me during my early days in the Progressive Youth Organisation.

He was a man who was very much liked by the party membership and for that matter across the ethnic or political spectrum. He was very passionate when it comes to his political and ideological convictions but that did not mean that he was intolerant of opposing views.

Navin was a ‘Jaganite’. He had the highest regard for the Jagans and would not take kindly to anyone who speaks disparaging of them. After the death of Cheddi Jagan, he headed the Cheddi Jagan Commemoration Committee and also chaired the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre.

In many ways, Cde. Chandarpal, in his personal and political life, embraced and emulated the principles of the Jagans. He was a man of integrity, very modest and unassuming and never allowed his office to interfere with his grassroots touch. He loved his country, a genuine patriot who opted to stay and serve when so many others chose to leave for the so-called greener pastures.

I had the opportunity to serve in several Committees with Cde Navin such as the Cheddi Jagan Commemoration Committee and the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre. We also were members of the PPP Education Committee besides being members of the Ogle-Goedverwagting PPP Group. I was always impressed with his analytical mind and the high quality of his contribution to meetings at whatever level including meetings of the Central and Executive Committees.

He was a humble man, always approachable and a friend to many. His sharp and ready wit never fail to amuse and generate laughter. He was affable and full of fun. Navin was a family man who despite his heavy party and government commitments found time for his family.

Besides being a comrade and friend, he was also my neighbour. He lived well with his neighbours as he would with all those who happen to be his friends and colleagues.

There is a saying that one can live without one’s friends but not without one’s neighbours. What more can one ask for when your neighbour also happens to be your comrade and your friend.

Cde. Chandarpal will be missed not only by his family members but by his entire circle of comrades and friends. He has made his contribution to his party and his country in so many ways. He has touched the lives of a countless number of people by his modesty, his humility, his dedication to the principles and values he embraced and his courage to defend whatever views and positions he felt strongly about.

I had the opportunity to interface with him shortly before he died when he chaired a meeting of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre and I think it was significant that even in his final hours he exerted his energies in trying to advance the ideas of Cheddi Jagan whose vision, as he always reminded us, is our living guide. The PPP, indeed the entire Guyana, owes him a debt of gratitude for his enormous contribution in terms of advancing the good and well-being of this nation.

I wish to extend my condolences to his wife Comrade Indra Chandarpal, his two children, Geeta and Robin, his relatives and friends and the entire membership of the PPP on his passing.

May his soul rest in peace!

HYDAR ALLY