Dear Editor,
It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this letter. I knew Mr de Caires was not feeling very well, yet I had harboured the hope that with his tenacity he would fight death and he would be there when I return to Guyana and we would have a karaoke party like we did at Christmas time when I worked at the Stabroek News. I envisioned us singing `I did it my way’, Mr de Caires’ favourite karaoke song. For those who knew him that song aptly described this man who could be a serious fellow one time and a gentle joking one another time. I love Mr de Caires and I am very hurt by his passing.
He had given me a chance when no one else would. He changed me from a horrible writer to an okay one. He mentored and tutored me along the way sometimes castigating and other times encouraging. I love to tell the story of how he viewed my first story with horror and let me know that it was terrible. I was scared of him for weeks after until one Saturday when he told me that I had the potential to be a good writer and that when I reached that point he would let me know. A year and some months later, one Monday morning I was told Mr de Caires wanted to see me. My heart sank for it was not often that he called you in for niceties, and so I timidly entered his office and he said “you did it, I thoroughly enjoyed your story on Aratak Mission…” To this day, I still carry that good feeling I felt that day.
Mr de Caires was a man of integrity. He was honest and he did not mince words or sugar coat his comments for he, in his wisdom, knew that constructive criticism had to be delivered in a manner that would benefit the recipient. I think I am rambling but Mr de Caires’ death has really shocked me even though I know he was not enjoying the best of health. Spending time chatting and singing with him was one of several must-do things on my return to Guyana and his passing has made me really sad.
My deepest sympathy to Mrs de Caires, Brendan, Isabel and other relatives and friends. Also to the staff of Stabroek News, I know that you will all miss him very much as I, who left eight years ago will remember, miss and deeply regret his death.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rest in peace, good sir.
Yours faithfully,
Desiree Kissoon
