Dear Editor,
It is with profound sadness that I take time out to reflect on a comrade and a former youth leader of the Guyana Youth and Student Movement (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 kept 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 had 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. Later on in our GYSM life, we both were elect to serve on the national executive committee of the organization. This elevation into the organization’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 was 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 positions papers, youth programmes, leadership retreats and camps. His dedication and commitment to the organization 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.
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 organization’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 realize 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 argument was over he skillfully conjured up a light conversation to remind you that his argument was over. His sense of comradery and friendship reminded 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 personally. 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 obscured paths. He had no enemies, even if they thought he was the enemy. Bevon Currie was a deliberate and thoughtful individual.
He was the kind of comrade who stuck it out after consecutive electoral defeats at the polls. He still had the confidence that his party would emerge victorious one day. Like the truly faithful, he kept that fate and passed his optimism on to others. Comrade Currie has made his mark on PNCR politics and the nation. He made his contribution, and his service should be acknowledged.
Yours faithfully,
Lurlene Nestor
