David de Caires instilled principles

Dear Editor,
I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to family of Mr David de Caires and the staff of Stabroek News.
Like many others fortunate to have been mentored by/worked with Mr de Caires, I owe him a debt of gratitude for the priceless principles he imparted, and which have over the years, proved a solid foundation for success.
As a student just completing high school and anxious to start working, Mr de Caires gave me an opportunity that was not easily available to many other youths from rural schools.

He offered me a work study stint at Stabroek News and subsequent employment, instilling values that continue to guide me in my journalistic career, and life in general.

In those early days, it was somewhat intimidating when he called you up to his office in the attic and went through your stories with a fine-tooth comb, seriously questioning you like you were being cross-examined before a court of law.
I can still hear him preaching over and over, “facts are sacred,” see him getting agitated when a story was not “fructifying,” and pushing you to be endlessly persistent and disciplined.

At the time, little did I realize how the principles he taught were forming such a strong foundation, that no matter the circumstance, simply stay true and continue to guide and grow in value.

Thank you very much Mr de Caires, and may all of us who were mentored by you, uphold your legacy.
May God grant your soul peace.
Yours faithfully,
Nivedta Kowlessar-Teixeira