Dear Editor,
It is with great sorrow that I read in the media of the recent demise of Dr. Samuel Rudy Insanally, one of Guyana’s most iconic diplomats in the firmament of academia. In that respect, I would like to express my deepest condolences to his spouse and family, siblings, relatives and friends on such a monumental and irreparable loss. At this time my prayers and thoughts go out to them that they will find much peace and comfort from our Heavenly Father as they cope with such a tragic situation.
Our stars crossed in 1992 when I first encountered this gentleman at the Guyana Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York where I served my second tour of duty under his stewardship. I was very fascinated by his pleasant demeanour, great humility and brilliant mind and his sparkling repertoire of knowledge especially in the field of diplomacy. He was an ardent scholar of poetry and philosophy and on several social occasions, at the Mission, when I performed the duties of Master of Ceremonies, he was very appreciative of my references to quotes from Shakespeare and the writings of Omar Khayyam the celebrated 12th century poet, astronomer and mathematician known for his golden gift to the literary world –“The Rubaiyat” which was translated into English by Sir Edward Fitzgerald.
I also recall, with nostalgic feelings, our many discussions on financial, certain administrative and protocol matters regarding the modus operandi of the Mission which fell under my list of supernumerary duties and his sterling contribution to those interactions. Ambassador Insanally, who later held the prestigious posts of Chairman of the United Nations General Assembly and ultimately the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guyana, prior to his exit from Guyana’s Foreign Service, was a most distinguished gentleman with impeccable integrity, elegance and class. I have always been enthralled by his charisma and wisdom. In my humble view he saw humanity through the lens of love, kindness and generosity and was the quintessence of excellence in his devotion to duty and patriotic love for his country. In his romantic comedy “Twelfth Night” the British dramatist Shakespeare wrote the hollowing illuminating lines:-“Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. ”I fervently believe that our dearly beloved diplomat achieved greatness in this transitory life.
So farewell dear Ambassador, goodbye our Shining Star, you shall be immortalized in the velvet chambers of our hearts for “to live in the hearts of those we have left behind is not to die.” May the Angels in Heaven watch over your sweet soul until we meet again at the feet of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on that Glorious Morning of the Resurrection.
Sincerely,
Andrew Zamal
Canada