PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has led national tributes following the death of Georgetown City Councillor Jai Narine “Don” Singh, describing him as a man whose contributions to public life were marked by candour, wit and a genuine commitment to serving citizens.

Singh, a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) councillor on the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and elected President of the Georgetown Cricket Club died on Saturday after being hospitalised after suffering a massive stroke.

In a statement, President Ali said he was “deeply saddened” by Singh’s untimely passing and recalled hoping and praying for his recovery.

“Don Singh will be remembered as someone whose presence in civic life carried both substance and character,” the President said.

He noted that while Singh came from a family with a strong legal background and a long-standing involvement in Guyana’s political life, he carved out his own identity through his energetic and distinctive approach to public service.

“He brought energy to his work as a Councillor of the Georgetown City Council. He could be excessively witty but also brutally frank. That candidness gave voice to concerns in a direct and unvarnished manner, reminding all that municipal politics exists to respond to real, everyday problems,” President Ali said.

The Head of State added that Singh understood public life should never lose its humanity, noting that his interactions were often characterised by humour, warmth and an unwavering engagement with the people he served.

“Fate has robbed him of making a more substantive contribution to national life. But he will be remembered not only for what he did but the infectious spirit in which he did things,” the President stated as he extended condolences to Singh’s family, friends and all those mourning his passing.

The People’s Progressive Party also expressed profound sadness at the loss of one of its long-serving activists.

In a statement, the PPP described Singh as a dedicated party member who served both the organisation and the people of Georgetown “with commitment and humility.”

“His passing is a significant loss not only to his family and loved ones, but also to the Party and the wider Georgetown community,” the statement read.

The party also extended sympathies to Singh’s family, friends, fellow councillors and everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.

Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore said the city had lost a fearless advocate whose contribution to municipal governance would not be forgotten.

“He will be missed by the entire City family for his brazen, bold and courageous approach to municipal governance,” Mentore said in a Facebook post.

He described Singh as “a special dude” who left an indelible mark on the municipality and would be mourned by many both locally and abroad.

“On behalf of the Mayor, Councillors and administration of the Georgetown Municipality, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones during this time of immense grief. Rest in peace my brother. Gone too soon,” Mentore added.

Meanwhile, the Georgetown Cricket Club reflected on Singh’s lifelong devotion to the institution, noting that for most of his 56 years, his life was inseparably linked to the historic Bourda club.

According to the GCC, Singh’s love for cricket began in 1975 when, at just five years old, his father took him to Bourda to watch his first cricket match—an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for both the sport and the club.

From an enthusiastic supporter in the stands, he went on to become one of the club’s most dedicated members before being elected President in January this year.

The club said Singh accepted the role “with humility, purpose, and an unwavering determination to serve.”

An avid cricket enthusiast, Singh was deeply committed to developing the game and believed the time was right to lead the advancement of Guyana’s most iconic cricket club.

Among his priorities as President was creating an environment where players could develop their skills and reach higher levels of performance.

The GCC described him as “a candid and benevolent leader” whose honesty, generosity and genuine concern for others earned him widespread respect and admiration.

“Although his tenure as President was far too brief, Don’s vision, enthusiasm, and commitment inspired everyone who worked alongside him. His legacy will endure in the values he championed, the aspirations he instilled, and the love he had for the club that was such an important part of his life,” the club said.

Singh was widely known for his outspoken contributions during statutory meetings of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, where his wit, candour and unwavering advocacy on municipal matters often drew public attention.

He is survived by his family, friends, colleagues and the many lives he touched through public service and cricket administration.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family.