Dear Editor,
The Rodney Family is saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Father Malcolm Rodrigues.
Father Malcolm stood and worked with Walter Rodney, and other comrades in the fight for worker’s rights and justice for the Guyanese people. In a case of note, Father Malcolm, Walter and many others took a principled stand against the prosecution of Arnold Rampersaud. There are lessons to be learned from their principled stance against the use of race as a divisive tool and the practical application of racial understanding and unity in Guyana.
On a personal note, Father Malcolm was our protector on the terrible night of June 13, 1980 when Walter was assassinated by the Burnham regime – delivering the news, staying overnight to comfort the family and then being a witness to the police raid of our home. Without him it would have been impossible to traverse the roadblocks created to view and claim Walter’s body.
Father Malcolm was a confidant and supporter during the horrific aftermath. His warm friendship and support continued long after we left Guyana and we are forever grateful for his strength and kindness.
We will miss this ‘rebel priest’ whose smile and love for life and humanity was all encompassing. May his soul rest peacefully with the ancestors.
Yours faithfully,
Patricia Rodney and The Rodney
Family