Dear Editor,
During the latter ’80s, Stabroek News had established itself as a national newspaper and had engaged itself in the struggle for freedom of the press and freedom of expression.
Stabroek News appeared to cement its readers as a close family, those believing in truth and the candid exposure of critical issues affecting their society. Although arriving at a fair conclusion on matters and events meant reading other media materials, Stabroek News always seemed to be the trusted source for accuracy. During those times, Guyanese from all walks of life bought the daily or special Sunday editions and they were well informed.
It was this belief in a non-partisan policy and candid reporting that encouraged my first attempt at writing on issues affecting Guyanese society, especially on behalf of those that were not blessed with the opportunity to make such representation for themselves. I had just returned from one of the most isolated regions in Guyana and needed the public and politicians to understand the critical situations facing the residents there.
I hand-wrote a letter and decided to approach Stabroek News for help. It was a very rainy morning and I had to protect my missive; I learnt in school that a first presentation must always be an impressive presentation, for that followed you through life, so I tried my utmost to be spick and span. I was nervous but this letter needed some attention because lots of lives depended on it. Approaching politicians with news of neglect and poverty was a ‘no go,’ as doing so was considered being critical and anti-government.
With envelope in hand I walked into Stabroek News on Robb Street. I met a gentleman at the counter. The receptionist made a feeble attempt to ask my business, but with a slight wave the gentleman indicated that he had engaged me. Asking, “Can I help you?” I smiled and said, “Yes sir, I have this letter for the editor.” With a beaming face he took the envelope from me and opened it, read it for a while and then confirmed, “So you are Ashton Simon; which tribe are you from?”
I was so blown away by this development, I blushed with pride as I answered, “Yes, I am Ashton Simon and I am a member of the Patamona Tribe, from Paramakatoi.” David de Caires patted me on the back and invited me to his office. We spoke some on my life as a kid, my community, my integration into city life, school and work. He was very surprised at the fact that as a kid I had known Messrs Miles Fitzpatrick, Frank Pilgrim and many more through my uncle Jan Carew (whose mother was my foster mother); he was very kind in his observations and thoughts.
Mr de Caires rose from his desk with outstretched hands, shook my hand and said, “Keep writing, this newspaper is an open forum to express whatever is worrying you or your people.”
Reading of Mr de Caires’ achievements and ambitions to make our society better, I consider myself lucky and honoured to have met him. As life would have it we never met again, but his promise of making the voice of the unheard, heard through penmanship lives on.
Foremost, Mr David de Caires was a humanitarian and a motivator. I, on behalf of the National Amerindian Development Foundation express deep regret at his passing and join in mourning with Mrs de Caires and other family members, the staff of Stabroek News and Guyanese society.
Yours faithfully,
Ashton Simon
