VETERAN broadcaster and communications specialist, Dr Rovin Deodat A.A., whose distinctive voice and mastery of the English language made him a familiar presence in Guyanese homes for decades, will be laid to rest today, September 22, following funeral services at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Brickdam.
Dr Deodat, who died on Friday, September 11, at the age of 79, will be remembered for a broadcasting career spanning several decades, as well as for his contributions to education, communications, media training and public service.
His body is scheduled to arrive at the cathedral at 9:00 a.m., with viewing, tributes and the eulogy from 9:00 to 9:55 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 10:30 a.m., followed by cremation at Memorial Gardens at noon.
For those unable to attend in person, the National Communications Network (NCN) has arranged for the proceedings to be streamed via Zoom from 9:00 a.m. (Meeting ID: 836 6733 5088
Passcode: 297058)
Dr Deodat began his broadcasting career at the now-defunct Radio Demerara and went on to establish himself as one of the most recognisable voices in Guyana’s broadcasting history.
He was particularly associated with the programmes “From Word to Word” and “Have You Ever Wondered?”, with the former becoming a fixture for listeners interested in language.
Through “From Word to Word”, Dr Deodat examined the meanings, origins, development, pronunciation and proper use of words, effectively turning a radio programme into an informal language lesson for generations of Guyanese.
NCN continued to broadcast “From Word to Word” on Voice of Guyana 102.5 FM, with Dr Deodat remaining listed as its presenter in 2026. Earlier this year, the network also honoured him for his contribution to radio.
His influence extended well beyond the broadcast studio.
Dr Deodat held a PhD in Communications, a Master’s degree in English from Simon Fraser University and a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Guyana.
He served as Communication Adviser to the Office of the President and later as Director of Education, Information and Training at the Environmental Protection Agency. He also worked as a communications consultant.
Another significant part of his professional legacy was his contribution to the development of regional and community broadcasting, particularly in hinterland and Indigenous communities.
As coordinator of the Government’s Regional Radio Project, Dr Deodat was involved in the development of radio stations in several regions and in training people to work in broadcasting.
In 2018, he trained potential broadcasters in Aishalton ahead of the commissioning of Radio Aishalton. The following year, a regional radio workshop brought together more than 40 broadcasters from Indigenous communities in Regions One, Six, Seven, Eight and Nine.
His contribution to the country was formally recognised in 2018 when he was conferred with the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA).
Beyond his own programmes and professional accomplishments, Dr Deodat was widely regarded as a teacher and mentor who helped prepare younger media practitioners for careers in broadcasting and communications.
The Guyana Press Association has also recognised his contribution to the expansion of community broadcasting and the training of young broadcasters.
President Dr Irfaan Ali, in expressing condolences following his death, recalled Dr Deodat as a broadcaster, educator, communications professional and consultant whose voice had become a daily companion to generations of Guyanese.
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, also reflected on Dr Deodat’s influence, particularly during his own early years in broadcasting, and recalled his contribution to language and professional standards within the sector.
As family, colleagues, former students and members of the wider broadcasting fraternity prepare to bid farewell to the veteran communicator, Dr Deodat’s legacy extends beyond the programmes that made him known.
It is also reflected in the broadcasters he trained, the communities reached through regional radio and the generations of listeners introduced to the precision, meaning and power of words.
For many Guyanese, the familiar voice behind “From Word to Word” has fallen silent, but the lessons and professional standards associated with his long career remain part of the country’s broadcasting heritage.