Dear Editor,
I join with the rest of the writers to express my condolences to Mrs. de Caires and the rest of the family of Mr David de Caires. As one of the early writers with the newspaper, I join also with the other former reporters in their comments on Mr. de Caires and the tremendous impact he has had on all our lives.
I remember joining the newspaper just before the 1992 elections and meeting with Mr. de Caires and quickly becoming impressed with his commitment to the democratic processes. No one can challenge his contribution to Guyana and the changes he has helped to bring about to the country. A great patriot has passed and he will be missed.
Yours faithfully,
Mohamed Khan
It is important to discover our purpose
Dear Editor,
I have always avoided funerals as they brought back the painful memories of the death of my brother, grandmother, mother and godfather who I loved so dearly.
But on Friday, 7th November 2008 I attended the memorial service of Mr. David de Caires, the Editor-in-Chief of Stabroek News and felt motivated and a renewed commitment to my ideals. I now think that it is important in our lifetime to attend funerals as it reiterates within us, if we are consciously aware, our purpose on earth and that life is a flicker and our journey on earth is a temporary one.
At Mr. David de Caires’ memorial service his son Brendan mentioned that his father was not fearful of death but was terrified of not fulfilling his purpose and on hearing these words I was astounded to recognise it is exactly the same way that I feel.
It is so extremely important for us to discover our purpose and use every living day to realise our purpose.
Yours faithfully,
K. Bacchus
He gave me a chance when no one else would
Dear Editor,
It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this letter. I knew Mr de Caires was not feeling very well, yet I had harboured the hope that with his tenacity he would fight death and he would be there when I return to Guyana and we would have a karaoke party like we did at Christmas time when I worked at the Stabroek News. I envisioned us singing `I did it my way’, Mr de Caires’ favourite karaoke song. For those who knew him that song aptly described this man who could be a serious fellow one time and a gentle joking one another time. I love Mr de Caires and I am very hurt by his passing.
He had given me a chance when no one else would. He changed me from a horrible writer to an okay one. He mentored and tutored me along the way sometimes castigating and other times encouraging. I love to tell the story of how he viewed my first story with horror and let me know that it was terrible. I was scared of him for weeks after until one Saturday when he told me that I had the potential to be a good writer and that when I reached that point he would let me know. A year and some months later, one Monday morning I was told Mr de Caires wanted to see me. My heart sank for it was not often that he called you in for niceties, and so I timidly entered his office and he said “you did it, I thoroughly enjoyed your story on Aratak Mission…” To this day, I still carry that good feeling I felt that day.
Mr de Caires was a man of integrity. He was honest and he did not mince words or sugar coat his comments for he, in his wisdom, knew that constructive criticism had to be delivered in a manner that would benefit the recipient. I think I am rambling but Mr de Caires’ death has really shocked me even though I know he was not enjoying the best of health. Spending time chatting and singing with him was one of several must-do things on my return to Guyana and his passing has made me really sad.
My deepest sympathy to Mrs de Caires, Brendan, Isabel and other relatives and friends. Also to the staff of Stabroek News, I know that you will all miss him very much as I, who left eight years ago will remember, miss and deeply regret his death.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rest in peace, good sir.
Yours faithfully,
Desiree Kissoon
Accommodating to religious, sports and cultural organizations
Dear Editor,
I am deeply saddened to hear of the sudden death of Mr David de Caires, the founder of Stabroek News.
Although I never met Mr de Caires personally, I know that he was an extraordinary and respectable man in the business community. He was always accommodating to religious, sports and cultural organizations.
On behalf of myself, family and students of the Georgetown JKA (YMCA dojo) I express my deepest condolences to the wife and family of Mr de Caires.
During this difficult time, I know you will draw upon your own strength and the strength of loved ones that hold you in their thoughts.
Please accept my condolences.
Yours faithfully,
Amir Khouri 5th Dan
Chief Instructor
Guyana JKA
YMCA Dojo
Thomas Lands
A gentleman
Dear Editor,
David de Caires was a rare soul who worked to leave his world better than he found it. He was a gentleman and a gentle man, who lived by his principles. May he rest (finally!) in peace.
Yours faithfully,
Han Granger-Gaskin
He was an editor of principle
Dear Editor,
It is with a heavy heart that I write to say how saddened I am at the passing of Mr. de Caires. I am certain that the contribution he made to the seemingly insurmountable task of establishing a free press in Guyana will be addressed extensively by many. So, instead, I prefer to mention what a privilege it was to have known and worked for him. As a green reporter, the wealth of knowledge he imparted was priceless. A seemingly endless source of story ideas, he was an editor of principle who supported his reporters down to the wire.
If I listen keenly, I can still hear him saying “action stations” at the end of editorial meetings. My fondest memories however, are of what I refer to as the “de Caires words,” my particular favourite being “fructify”. There is not an occasion when I hear, or come upon that word that it does not bring an instant smile and memory of him to me.
The people of Guyana are a sight poorer following the loss of this particular son of the soil. My sympathies lie with his family and the extended newspaper family. May he rest in peace.
Yours faithfully,
Yolande Gittens
David de Caires must be complimented for bringing out the SN
Dear Editor,
When someone who has contributed to making society a better one passes on, we all mourn the loss and look back at some of the admirable things they did.
Well David de Caires must be complimented for bringing out the Stabroek News and must be admired for the way he handled the withdrawal of government advertisement from the Stabroek.
To the Stabroek family I offer my heartfelt sympathy.
Yours faithfully,
Wendell P. George
Contribution will not be forgotten
Dear Editor,
It was with shock that we received the news of the passing of Mr David de Caires. The Guyana Action Party wishes to convey heartfelt sympathy to his wife, Mrs Doreen de Caires and their children, along with the staff of Stabroek News.
His contribution to our country will not be forgotten and his life will serve as an example to others who seek to improve the lot of the Guyanese people.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Yours faithfully,
E Franklin
For Executive of the Guyana Action Party
A great man
Dear Editor,
My deepest condolences to the de Caires family and SN. SN was a ray of hope for me when I was living in Guyana in the late ’80s. Presently, I read its online edition every day and still enjoy it. What a great man and a great newspaper!
Yours faithfully,
Brian Samaroo
Sterling contribution
Dear Editor,
As much as we can never always agree with each other on issues, it is my opinion that the late Mr. David De Caires made a sterling contribution within the journalism fraternity of Guyana.
It is also my belief that he would be grateful to the current runners that he has left the baton with to continue with the struggles for press freedom, even though it could be bloody fights at different crossroads.
T.Pemberton
