FORMER Amerindian Affairs Minister Francis Vibert De Souza died on Saturday night after complaining of feeling unwell, relatives confirmed. He was 73.

Reports are that DeSouza, who hails from the Moruca sub-region in the North West District, complained of feeling unwell several days ago. His death came as a shock to relatives and friends who later converged at his Eccles, East Bank Demerara residence to offer words of support to his immediate family.

Relatives described him as an avid member of the Roman Catholic Church as well as a respected musician who always warmed the hearts of many who witnessed him perform along with his siblings at Santa Rosa and other parts of Moruca.

DeSouza, who served as subject minister from 1992-2001, is survived by his two brothers– Dion De Souza, former Santa Rosa Toshao, and Marco DeSouza– and a sister, Theresa De Souza. He also leaves to mourn his wife Rita and off-spring Sean, Sharon and Karen.