Dear Editor,
IT is with profound sadness that I take time out to reflect on a comrade and a former youth leader of the GYSM and PNCR, who passed a few days ago. Bevon Currie’s passing has left me in a state of perpetual reflection and denial of his death. As I reflect, I keep seeing his calm demeanour, his willing and supportive spirit and his humble disposition. Bevon was a true youth leader, patriot, comrade and a decent human being. I have known Bevon for many years. My first interaction with him was at a meeting of the Werk-en-Rust GYSM group, when I served as the group’s chairperson. The group attracted many visitors and members and was known for its Saturday nights; healthy political debates, fish fry and souse lime. Of course, Bevon was one of those visitors and debaters who visited.

Later on in our GYSM life, we both were elected to serve on the national executive committee of the organisation. This elevation into the organisation’s leadership was no ordinary achievement for Bevon. He truly wanted to be among the leaders of the party’s youth arm and to contribute to the policy direction of the movement. He seemed particularly enthused to be able to have the opportunity to interact with youth leaders in various parts of Guyana. This new position afforded this opportunity to him. His passion and his heart were with youth development and youth work and he saw this promotion as a means of advancing his passion. When I served as National Secretary of the GYSM, Bevon and I worked closely on many projects, including policy position papers, youth programmes, leadership retreats and camps. His dedication and commitment to the organisation were beyond question! I do not recall him ever making excuses or saying no when asked to do work for the GYSM or its members. In fact, it was because I knew he would not say no, that I asked him to stand in for me at meetings and events, whenever I encountered schedule conflicts.

Sometimes the swiftness with which Bevon said yes caused him to miss a basic detail regarding the meeting he was asked to attend. For instance, once I asked him to represent me at a certain meeting that was scheduled for a specific location on Brickdam but Bevon, for some reason, ended up on Main Street. About 10 minutes after the scheduled start of the meeting I received a call from Bevon, he said, in his usual chuckling way, “Madam Secretary, like you set me up or wah, nobody ain’t deh hay.”

I told him I did not get any notice that the meeting had been cancelled, so I found it strange no one was there. About two minutes into the conversation, he asked that I repeat the direct address; as soon as I mentioned Brickdam he blurted out, “Oh shucks, ah gon get a taxi and go there now; I deh on Main Street at this place”! Bevon went to the meeting, made his contribution and came back with the title “facilitator” for the next meeting. This was the attitude of the comrade of whom I speak. He always believed that he could contribute and he never let the opportunity to do so pass by. His willingness to lead at the slightest opportunity often landed him in many unsuspecting leadership roles. Some thought he was always in auditioning mode for the roles he often landed, most of which were volunteering opportunities.

Bevon also served as the national secretary of the GYSM when I served as the organisation’s chairperson. I could not have asked for a more supportive and dedicated secretary. He took his responsibility seriously. It was in this role that I truly came to realise just how unselfish and kind-hearted Bevon was. Sometimes I believe he bit off more than he could have eaten and made too many commitments, all of which I believed had to do with his attitude of always wanting to assist or contribute. Bevon was the kind of person who gave because he felt compelled to give. He was humble and contented; one who faced difficulty with a sense of calmness. He loved a spirited political debate, loved to argue; even if he was losing the argument he would make his point. However, when all arguments were over he skilfully conjured up a light conversation to remind you that his argument was over. His sense of camaraderie and friendship reminds you that he did not bear malice or see others as his foes. He had an ability to move on, on spot! He had a unique ability to make friends easily. I am quite sure his friends’ list spans the entire country. New members to the GYSM quickly got to know Bevon and appreciated his friendship very quickly. Many confided in him and trusted his judgement.

Bevon was a tough politician. He took many political punches, he gave some also, but he never seemed to take any of it personal. We have both been on different sides of the internal “PNCR politicking.” We rooted and campaigned vigorously for different candidates for leadership at various times of our activism and we have spent time trying to convince the other to support the other’s candidates. We reasoned, we discussed, and we argued. We debated, but at the end of the day, we remained comrades who were always respectful to each other. We supported each other in our roles as leaders in the GYSM. My last text message from him on PNCR politics came on August 5, 2018, when he asked me to support a certain candidate for a particular position at the 2018 PNCR Congress. He was a true political “go getter”; he did what he needed to do to support his preferred candidate; he worked all the blurred lines or obscure paths. He had no enemies, even if they thought he was enemy. Bevon Currie was a deliberative and thoughtful individual.

Comrade Currie was the kind of comrade who gave even when they had nothing to give. He respected everyone and tried to work with whatever or whomever he was asked, to work with; he made no excuses. His passion to serve in the PNCR and his commitment to the party’s youth arm were remarkable. We were fortunate to have such a humble and decent human being as one of us. I am fortunate that I had the opportunity to know and work with Bevon Currie. He gave more than he ever had. The GYSM and the PNCR are better today because of the contributions people like Bevon Currie made. Too often, the contributions made by these true patriots go under the radar because of their quiet personal demeanour. Too often we wait until the dedicated have fallen and are no more to recognise and appreciate their contributions. Too often, we fail to express the simple gesture of appreciation to those who not only gave us their best, but also gave all they had. Too often our show of gratitude and display of love come at a time when the fallen can least appreciate that outpouring of appreciation. Bevon Currie was the kind of comrade who stuck it out; after consecutive electoral defeats at the polls he still had the confidence that his party will emerge victorious one day. Like the truly faithful, he kept that fate and passed his optimism onto others. Comrade Currie has made his mark on PNCR politics and the nation; he made his contribution and his service should be acknowledged.

My sincere condolences to his family and many friends. We love you Bevon, but God loves you more. Sleep on my friend, sleep on. It will be difficult to come to grips with speaking of you in the past tense. You were a bright light to many who experienced dull moments. Your optimism was rare. You were a decent, caring, kind and respectful human being anyone would have been happy to have as a friend. Like all of us, Bevon was no perfect human being, but his faults pale in contrast to his strengths and positive energy.
May your soul rest in peace.

Regards
Lurlene Nestor