PROMINENT Region Two resident, Isahack Basir, passed away quietly due to natural causes at the Suddie Public Hospital on Friday.

Basir, of Hampton Court, Essequibo Coast, last engagement was with Prime Minister Moses Nagamottoo at the Regional State House.

The father of seven was known for his selfless work, mostly in volunteerism and in the field of politics. He wrote many articles on the history of sugar estates in the region. Most of those articles were published in the Guyana Times and the Guyana Chronicle.

He started his political life in the 1990s and had worked with the Peoples Progressive Party and its leader. Basir had vast knowledge of the Pomeroon River and most times, would find delight in escorting politicians to their journey. The former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) parliamentarian was shot during his political struggles.

Basir was no stranger to the Region Two schoolchildren and many times, he volunteered his time and efforts to educate them about the history of Region Two. He started many projects such as newspaper sharing and the establishment of the Cheddi Jagan Biodiversity Park at Lima Sands. At the park, the names of Guyana’s top leaders are inscribed on several huge stones.

He was widely known for his history speeches, especially during the Devonshire Castle Uprising and indenture immigration remembrances. Basir, who was honoured by several governmental and non-governmental organisations, is also the recipient of Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH). The news of his passing has caused sadness throughout the region.

Basir’s grandson, Farouk Basir, described his him as the true role model.

“He was like a father to me, when he is around no one gets bored, he just knows how to keep everyone happy, but God knows best, he is now in a better place,” Farouk said.

Basir, who was supportive towards the coalition government, was described by politicians in Region Two as principled man.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, in a statement, said he was shocked and saddened at the passing of Basir, whom he described an authentic Essequibo political giant, an incorruptible fighter and decent family man.
He was Essequibo’s “historian”, a down-to-earth humanitarian and a friend to all, the prime minister said.

“My first encounter with ‘Tabrak’ dated way back to 1965 when he was introduced to me as a ‘dentist’ from Siriki, Pomeroon River. At that time he was a PPP organiser, and later became a Member of Parliament. I have served with him in the party’s leadership for an unbroken 30 years, and can testify to his integrity and rock-like conviction.

Isahack Basir would be famously remembered for many heroic activities. He survived an almost fatal shooting after one of Guyana’s controversial elections. After he was elected to the National Assembly he once, in protest, pelted a glass in the direction of then House Speaker, Sase Narain. He also dislodged and removed the ceremonial Mace, symbol of the authority of the Speaker and Parliament,” the prime minister said.

Basir was a true-blood rebel, said the prime minister, who related that at Anna Regina on Friday, he openly advised that the no-confidence motion against the government could have been aborted had he [Nagamootoo] removed the Mace!

“When we met, we embraced like the old comrades we have been over several decades, not knowing that that would be our last meeting. He was full of life, and confidence as he expressed satisfaction with the progress being made in his Essequibo,” the prime minister said.

He added: “To his loving wife Sabra, herself an iconic revolutionary woman, I send sincere sympathies, and share the loss of their son Andrieko, brother Yacoob and the many other bereaved family members and relatives.”