By Abdool A. Aziz

IN 1967, the monster of poverty devoured his only chance at a secondary education. But he did not indulge in self-pity. Driven by a burning ambition of exploiting a powerful common-sense and guided by a humane heart, he plunged into business and realised he had a knack for it.

There was a ‘dog eat dog’ scramble to make a buck on America Street. He sold items such as clothing, to toothbrushes to pins and needles, zips and watches. He sold out of a suitcase. His profit was small but his satisfaction emanated from within his breast. He tried to meet customers at every level, especially the poor. One businessman said that you are in business to make money and profit counts and that there is no honest businessman. This soft-spoken, jovial seller debunks that saying. Yes, he is there to make a profit but the mark- up was low because people came first. That is his guiding principle. The smile and contentment for a satisfied customer was his pride. Over time, his pennies rolled into dollars and he advanced his business mostly from the praise of the buyers and blessings from above. Today he is a business icon. But it was not an easy road. He sits in his executive chair and luxury office and thinks back on the challenging and cruel years trading in a suitcase.

He traded solo. He couldn’t afford to travel into the city of New York and book into a hotel, so he slept at the airport with his suitcase for a pillow and towel for a bed. He was constantly harassed by the airport security. He had sleepless hours and a fear of robbers. But that was the routine to keep his modest business afloat.
As one of his teachers, I observed the human side of him when he was just a child. Always smiling, fun-loving and generous – he was my pet student. Today he is 64, mature and a highly religious person and the same Nazar that I knew way back when with the same raspy voice, cool temper, welcoming smile and a keen listener. I was once his mentor. Now I take life lessons from him. He is one of Guyana’s most affluent sons but his demeanour is a humble one. He has over 200 employees, yet many do not know him.
He sits at his elegant desk, not to count his material wealth but to receive requests for charity, be it from individuals or groups, especially in the field of education, housing and sports. He, himself is a formidable sportsman, especially in cricket. He has gained lots of medals and trophies to his credit. This natural philanthropist is a role model for all. His heart beats with rhythms of giving and caring.

The blessings keep flowing, from his creator and fellow man. The more he gets the more he gives. He still feels the pangs of poverty and he can identify with those who are victims.
A gem of humanity. An asset to all Guyanese.