By Rajiv Bisnauth

Reyaz Husein, the host of NTN 69 ‘This Morning Show’ for almost 22 years, will be laid to rest today at the Windsor Forest burial ground.

Husein, who leaves to mourn his wife, two children, colleagues at NTN and a number of fans, passed away on Christmas Eve, on arrival at the Blawant Singh Hospital after complaining of feeling unwell. He was 50.
Husein, a father of two, and who was the administrator of Reyaz Business Institute (RBI) and proprietor of Inac Vitamins, was loved not only in the entertainment industry, where he became one of the most popular television personality, but was also a passionate cricket enthusiast who served as part of the executive of the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA).

His intelligence was demonstrated in whatever capacity he functioned throughout his career, and he was always craving for knowledge.

Husein served as vice-president of the GFSCA, and was also a member of the Covid-19 Task Force in Region Three, where he was loved by all. As news of his death spread, tributes began to pour in from persons whose lives he had touched.

President of the GFSCA, Ramchand Ragbeer, said that Husein had a wonderful personality, he was always warm and encouraging, and as such, he and members of the GFSCA are shocked and saddened by Reyaz’s passing.
“On behalf of the GFSCA, I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Reyaz Husein, as well as everyone connected with him,” Ragbeer said.

Anil Beharry, the former Berbice Cricket Board president and current secretary of the GFSCA, said Husein was a man of impeccable character.

“He was a gem of an individual, full of love and patience, smart and caring, a principled fella, Beharry said.
Cricket commentator, Inderjeet Persaud, said he is flattened and hurt by the news since he shared the microphone on several occasions with Husein.
Meanwhile, upon learning of his passing, both the Georgetown Cricket Club and Everest Cricket Club recognised Husein for his friendly, cohesive, passionate and professional personality.

At the Georgetown Cricket Club, he performed the roles of second division captain and coach-mentor for young players; while at the Everest Cricket Club, he was an executive member, club captain, as well as coach-mentor.
Husein was also was a public announcer at regional and international cricket matches held in Guyana.
Further, Chief Executive Officer of NTN Channel 69, Braham Prasad, said Husein was an amazing human being, humble and well respected.

“He has touched so many lives. I am still to bring myself to the reality of his passing, especially since it was just on Christmas Eve that he sat with myself and staff and chatted and made jokes. From his appearance and movement, he looked normal, as he would come to work,” Prasad said.
His body will be at the Muslim Youth Organisation Complex, Woolford Avenue, for viewing from 13:00hrs to 15:00hrs.
All Covid-19 guidelines must be observed during the funeral rituals.