Presidential Advisor on Sustainable Development, Science and Technology, Navin Chandarpal passed away this morning at his home, the PPP confirmed.
Chandarpal had been ailing from cancer and had been treated abroad earlier this year. He returned to Guyana in July to convalesce at home
Considered a member of the PPP’s ‘old guard’ and close to the late PPP leaders Dr Cheddi and Janet Jagan, Chandarpal was welcomed back to the Office of the President by President Donald Ramotar shortly after he was elected at the 2011 general elections.
Chandarpal, also a former Minister of Agriculture, polled sixth place on the PPP’s Central Committee with 604 votes at the party’s congress in August, 2013 at Port Mourant, Berbice.
On his Facebook page, former longstanding PPP executive Moses Nagamootoo said:
“Navin Chandarpal, the last among a crop of committed Jaganite leaders, and my associate and friend for some 50 years, died this morning after a valiant fight against cancer. Navin was a student and youth leader, and one of the few revolutionary intellectuals of our times. He rose to the top of the PPP’s leadership, but after Cheddi Jagan died, he was sidelined, forced to resign from ministerial portfolio, then ousted by Jagdeo from his job as presidential advisor, which took a toll on his health from which he never recovered. Navin was brave and defiant. Guyana has lost a true son. We share the grief and loss of his wife Indra, his son Rabin and daughter Geetanjali. Farewell, Comrade!”
The PNCR this afternoon offered its condolences.
The party said: “The People’s National Congress Reform expresses its sympathy at the death of Mr. Navin Chandarpal, former Minister of Agriculture and Presidential Advisor in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.
The Central Executive Committee and members of the PNCR extend sincere condolences to Mrs. Indra Chandarpal, M.P., and other relatives and friends of Mr. Chandarpal.
Mr. Navin Chandarpal’s passing is a great loss to his party, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).”
The National Assembly has also offered its condolences. In a statement today, it said:
“It was with deep sadness that the National Assembly learnt of the passing of Mr. Navindranauth Omanand Chandarpal, a former Minister of Agriculture and Member of the 7th and 8th Parliaments in the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration.
“Navin” Chandarpal served in the National Assembly with distinction for five (5) years, two (2) months and four (4) days, and was well liked and respected across all political lines. He will be remembered for his principled positions, his wit, and fearless and very amiable character. He was a friend to all and fierce fighter against injustice and oppression.
The Speaker and Members of Parliament and Clerk of the National Assembly extend deepest sympathy to his widow, Mrs. Indranie Chandarpal, M.P., and his children, relatives, friends and comrades.”
And in a statement, the PPP said:
The Central Committee and the entire membership of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is saddened by the death of one of its leading stalwarts, Cde. Navin Chanderpal, who passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2014.
Cde. Chanderpal was, at the time of his passing, a member of the Central and Executive Committee of the Party. He started out as a member of the Progressive Youth Organization, rising to the post of General Secretary.
He played an active role in student politics and at one time was elected President of the University of Guyana Student’s Society (UGSS). Those were the days when the PNC regime sought to control all facets of national and student life but Cde. Navin Chanderpal succeeded in defeating the PNC-sponsored candidates to take control of the student body at a time when all national and regional elections were massively and blatantly rigged by the PNC regime.
Cde. Chanderpal represented the PPP and the PYO at several meetings and seminars both locally and internationally. He played a key role in the struggle against imperialism and dictatorial rule in the country.
Following the restoration of democratic rule and the assumption of the PPP/C to office in October 1992, Cde. Chanderpal served in several capacities including that of Minister of Agriculture and as Presidential Adviser, a position which he held until the time of his passing.
He served in several other Committees such as the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre and the Cheddi Jagan Commemoration Committee both of which he was Chairman.
He was the husband of Indra Chanderpal who, like him, also served at the leadership of the Party and as a former Government Minister and currently holds the post as Chairman of the Women’s Progressive Organization (WPO).
The PPP wishes to express its deepest condolences to his wife Cde. Indra, his two children, Geeta and Robin, relatives, friends and the entire Party membership on his passing.
This is indeed a great loss to the Party but his sterling contributions; his dedication, commitment and loyalty to the Party will no doubt serve to inspire others in the struggle for a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Guyana.