NEIL Chan, a Guyanese cultural icon who operated the once popular “Xanadu” night club in the city, died on Friday morning.

The 88-year-old died at the St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital. According to a release from the Guyana Cultural Association (GCA) of New York, Chan had many interests, including, sports, culture, music and business.

He was an ardent boxing and table tennis fan, but he excelled in the bodybuilding and weightlifting fields and later represented Guyana at the 1966 8th British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Jamaica. The body said as a businessman, he specialised in the import trade. In 1970, he was appointed the first General Manager of the External Trade Bureau (ETB), which was responsible for the importation of most of Guyana’s food and other commodities.

He also played a major role in trade at a time when foreign currency was in short supply and materials for the development of the country were greatly needed

Back in the days, “Chan and Solo” dominated the Festival Arts of Guyana for many years as the leading private sector costume band and was well known for the splendor and pageantry of his 1000 strong Mash paraders leading the parade.
Chan was also winner of “King of the Band” Competition on many occasions.

He was honored by the Government of Guyana with the Golden Arrow of Achievement for his long, dedicated and outstanding contribution to Guyana’s culture.

In 2005, he was also honoured by the Guyana Cultural Association of New York with the GCA Award for his contribution to Guyana’s arts and culture.