The longest serving Speaker of the National Assembly, Sase Narain SC died yesterday. He was 95.
His eldest son Ian Narain confirmed to Stabroek News that he had passed at his Queenstown home just after 2 am yesterday as a result of age-related health complications.
The younger Narain described his father as a “remarkable man” who served Guyana well.
This sentiment was repeated by former Prime Minister Hamilton Green who paid tribute to Narain.
In a letter to this newspaper, he said: “Sase was my friend, my brother and whose advice I sought on many occasions, confident of his wisdom and understanding of the world in which we live.”
“His interpretation of a miscellany of matters, mostly political and social were always useful. In our last conversation, several weeks ago, we reminisced, paying attention to what Parliament was, when he presided over that important law making institution. We have lost a great son of the soil, who mixed with people of every walk of life, gaining their affection and respect,” he said, adding the he will miss Narain’s candour and wisdom.
Another Former Speaker of the Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran said that Narain was a friend who was always “ready, willing and able to lend assistance.” He noted that last year Narain distributed his law books to those whom he felt could make use of them and contacted him to select those he wished to have.
“We had a good rapport throughout the years…I consulted [him] when I had difficulty during my own period as Speaker. He was very knowledgeable about the Standing Orders and a very experienced and knowledgeable solicitor. His career as a solicitor has been overshadowed by his years as speaker but it was stellar,” he said
Ramkarran noted that as Speaker from 1971 to 1992, Narain had a very heavy burden to bear.
“He held the post for the longest period in modern times and was Speaker during a controversial era of Guyana’s history…when there were rigged elections. At that time the membership of the Parliament were not reflective of the will of the people so he had a very heavy burden to bear,” Ramkarran reminded.
The Guyana Bar Association (GBA) also acknowledged Narain’s contributions as a solicitor and as Speaker.
Noting that Attorneys were once separated into the categories of pen (solicitor) and voice (barrister), the association explained that Narain joined the profession as a solicitor whose “training, skill and strength in drafting pleadings provided the instructions and foundation for many of the legendary barristers recorded in the reports of cases in Guyana.”
Addressing his years as Speaker they described Narain as a “fierce, controlling and resounding voice heard in the halls of Parliament for in excess of twenty years.”
They added that he was one of the first solicitors to be appointed Senior Counsel and admitted to the inner bar.
“He will be part of the law reports, the Hansards of Parliament and our beloved memory,” they stressed adding that another attribute which should leave an indelible impression was his skill in drawing and preparing a Bill of Costs.
The GBA extended “deepest condolences” to his family.
Also expressing condolences was the leader, central executive committee and members of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).
In a brief statement the party remembered Narain as someone who served with distinction.
“For his outstanding service to Guyana, Narain was awarded the Order of Roraima [in 1985],” it said.
He was also awarded the Order of St. Michael and St. George from Queen Elizabeth II in 1969. This award is given to persons who have delivered extraordinary or important non-military service in a foreign country.
The party detailed his educational background including his 1957 completion of his Solicitors Examination at the City Law School in Chancery Lane, London.
Other positions held by Narain include that of Deputy Chairman to the Public Service Commission and member of the Police Service Commission from 1966 to 1971.
After leaving his post as speaker in 1992, Narain returned to practice law and retired in 2006.
Narain who leaves to mourn five sons, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren will be cremated today.
