By Indrawattie Natram
HISTORIAN Isahak Basir was described as a healing soul and a man that touched thousands of lives during his funeral service held at his Hampton Court residence, Region Two, on Wednesday.

An atmosphere of sadness was created when his body was interred at the Lima Sands Cemetery, an area dear to him.
Basir, 84, called “Tabarak”, formerly of Jacklow, Pomeroon, died from heart failure at the Suddie Public Hospital on Friday.

On Wednesday, his body arrived at his residence at 10:00 am for viewing. Persons from across Pomeroon-Supenaam dressed in black and white came to pay their last respects to the man they knew and loved.

The programme commenced with a brief welcome by his second son, Andrieko Basir, after which prayers were said by Maulana Mansoor Baksh.

Scripture readings were done by Mansoor Baksh and Swami Ravindra Sookraj. Hymns, Qaseedas and Bhajans were sung by well-wishers.  The laying of the Cacique Crown of Honour was done by Military Personnel, Rondel Williams.
Andrieko, in reading the eulogy, described his dad as a great father and mentor.

He said education was of paramount importance to his father and he ensured all his children were educated.

He told the gathering that his father was a composer, poet, politician and a teacher of Islam, Christianity and Hinduism.

He also remembered that his father devoted most of his life(60 years) to the People’s Progressive Party, spreading the message of the late founder leader, Dr Cheddi Jagan.

“My father was fond of an education, he used to get scholarship for the children to pursue their education. He worked until the last. He was committed in anything he does,” the young Basir said.

Acting President Moses Nagamottoo said Basir was loved by all and his works were appreciated by many. He said the late historian worked with all religious organisations and ethnicity for a greater Guyana. The acting President said that what he admires most about the historian was his zest to serve the people.

Basir was a “universal man” and a politician who respected all, he said.
Minister of State Joseph Harmon said he admired Basir’s determination in advising the Peoples National Congress (PNC). Harmon said while Basir served the PPP, he often sends letters of advice to the President.

Tributes were also paid by PPP representatives Clement Rohee and former President Donald Ramotar. They both described Basir as a staunch supporter of Dr Jagan and his teachings.

“Comrade Basir home was the home for most of PPP meetings; his home was very comfortable to us; Basir’s life was admirable; we in the PPP will always remember him,” Rohee said.

For his part, former President Ramotar said, “He (Basir) was able to see the transformation that happened in Region Two from the 50s. He was at every turn, he defended during the strike in the 1970s; he organised meals to feed many patients during strike actions.”

Also present were former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and prominent PPP leaders, Dr Frank Anthony, Devanand Ramdatt, Ganga Persaud and Harrypersaud Nokta.

Following the tribute, prayers were said and the body of Basir was taken to the Cheddi Jagan Park at Lima Sands where it was laid to rest at Lima Sands Cemetery.

Flowers and wreaths were laid as a way of paying respect to the late historian. Basir was a former PPP Member of Parliament, chairman of the National Congress of Local Democratic Organs, Vice President of the Rice Producers Association and Chairman of the Guyana-Libya Agriculture Company. He was also a social worker, historian and a dental technician by profession.