Harold Davis, a former Chair-man of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), died early yesterday morning.
Davis passed in his sleep at his New Market Street, Georgetown residence. He was 88-years-old and died just a few weeks short of his birthday, which he would have celebrated on September 16th.
When the sugar company was nationalized in 1976, Davis was sworn in as its first Chairman. He had worked previously with the corporation, then named Bookers Sugar Esta
tes Limited from 1959. He served as chairman until his retirement in 1990. In that same year, he was installed as Pro Chancellor at the University of Guyana and served from then until 1998. Davis was also Chairman of the Guyana and Trinidad Mutual Fire and Life Insurance Company until he retired from the post last year because of illness.
He was awarded the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH) in 1980.
His daughter, Karen Davis told Stabroek News that he died in his sleep and was discovered dead sometime after midnight yesterday.
She described her father as a dedicated and hard worker who loved his family and cricket. She said that up to last week, her father, despite being bedridden, kept abreast of the scores of the ongoing CPL 20/20 games.
“My father was a caring and passionate person who loved family, he loved his children, loved humanity and was at Ptolemy Reid always giving back…He was a Rotarian and Masonic Lodge member and held other positions but was never too busy for his family and children who he was proud of,” Karen Davis said.
She noted that although Davis had a lot of influence, he never liked politics and stayed away from it.
When he had time to spare, Davis, an avid reader, could be found with his head buried in a book.
Davis, originally of Bagot-ville, West Bank Demerara, began his career as a school teacher, after which he joined the Bookers Sugar Estates.
He had earlier this month celebrated the 62nd anniversary of his wedding with wife Mayleen.
Longtime friend of the former Rotary District Governor, Earl John said he was shocked when he learnt of the death of his friend and mentor. “I heard today and am still shocked… as someone who has nurtured me and has been responsible for my professional career, I can only say he was a champion, not only to the sugar industry. He [had] tremendous influence but it was a myriad of disciplines. He groomed so many persons… always willing to share,” he said.
John pointed out that it was Davis who over 50 years ago initiated the formation of the Adult Education Association, which is located on Carmichael Street.
Details of the funeral arrangements for David will be made public by his family sometime soon.
He is survived by his wife Mayleen, five children and eight grandchildren.
