Well-known businessman John Simon de Freitas has passed away in Madeira, Portugal at the age of 81, his family has confirmed.
De Freitas had played an important role in the Central Garage car dealership and had a high profile in business organisations such as the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). He also served as a PNCR Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2001.
According to a biography provided by his family, upon his return to British Guiana in 1958 after his education at Stonyhurst College in Lancashire, de Freitas began working at the family company, Central Garage. The company distributed Chevrolet, Buick, Vauxhall and Bedford cars and trucks and later Mercedes-Benz. They also sold Dunlop tyres and accessories, Exide batteries, Duco paints and polishes, General Electric refrigerators and spare parts with a department focused on Inventory control.