Comments on: Breaking: David de Caires passes away

By: cocalie

cocalie — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 02:42:45 +0000

I am praying for the family that loss their children in the army accident. I heard that colwin body has to be beary where he was found, this is rediculous soliders in the U.S. that died in Iraq even their bones will come home to their country. this accident took place in guyana why they cannot take the boy where he belongs on less the army is hiding evidence. If that was my child I would have taken him home I done care how badly decomposed he was this is very wrong. The mother should not take no for an answer. He deserve a proper burial like a true soldier.

By: Justin DeFreitas

Justin DeFreitas — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:59:18 +0000

David was a true visionary, a man with a legendary sense of fairness and a matching humility. He always had a sense of what a real Guyana can be. David is among the great sons of the soil.

I have always been impressed by his faith, especially for the nation’s young, and his desire to inspire their personal and professional growth.

Many souls, including myself, have had a better life because of this man. It was blessing to me to have our life paths crossed many years ago. His contribution to Guyanese society is immeasurable. RIP.

Justin DeFreitas

By: E. Mason

E. Mason — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 02:28:03 +0000

I cannot describe the sadness I feel at this time on learning about the passing of Mr. de Caires. He will be remembered as much for his gentle, unassuming manner as for his intelligent mind. Mr. de Caires was always warm and caring toward his employees. SN has suffered a great loss. My heart goes out to Mrs. de Caires and family as well as the staff of SN.

By: Vijay De Simone (nee Singh)

Vijay De Simone (nee Singh) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 20:47:12 +0000

I am at a loss for words to describe how this news has shocked me! I thought when I go back home next year for a visit I would say hello to my first boss and also Miles Fitzpatrick. I was interviewed by Mr. de Caires and was a bundle of nerves on my first job interview. My memory serves me right when I say, I will never forget my working experience with him as a stenographer (i loved taking dictation from him), and to this day I have yet to meet some anyone who was as articulate as he was with the English language. I am what I am today due to his patience and guidance, Mr. de Caires was always generous with his time and made sure that I participated in civic activities during the Xmas holidays. He could have easily brushed it off and enjoy his time with his family. But, that would not be David de Caires….he saw everyone as an equal no matter what the color of your skin was and he cared enough to do something about it! He was special and I am truly grateful for the 6years i spent under his tutelage. So much has come out of my tenure with his and Miles Fitzpatrick’s law firm.
I contacted him a few years ago and he was as eloquent as I recall…always a gentleman and a decent human being. He truly cared about his country and made it his conviction to make a CHANGE FOR THE BETTER FOR ALL OF GUYANA’S PEOPLE. HE WAS A VOICE FOR THE PEOPLE AND HE FOUND A MEDIUM TO BE HEARD. HE WAS AN IDEALIST AND BELIEVED HE COULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES……HE DID IN MY LIFE AND I AM SADDENED TO LEARN OF HIS SUDDEN PASSING. .
Please convey my deepest condolences to Doreen, Isabella, Brendan an their families on the loss of a dear and special human being. David de Cairies was first a human being and that is so lacking in our world. Every now and then we get a glimpse of a special human being and by touching our lives we are never the same,that is the kind of effect Mr. de Caires had on many people.

By: parmanand dholichand

parmanand dholichand — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:31:38 +0000

GOD do not make mistake.he took DAVID to his heavenly home at the ripe age of 70.i have never met David but i know he is a good man.may the GOOD LORD continues to take charge of his earthly families and friends.

By: Fulano de Tal

Fulano de Tal — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 14:34:51 +0000

My deepest sympathy to the De Caires family. May his soul rest in peace. Mr. De Caires has opened the way for many of us with views not supported by the mainstream media to have a medium of expression. Rest assured knowing that though not “physically” present, even though he is in his offspring, his spirit will be eternal. As long as his works are continued know that his inspiration will be present.

By: Desiree Kissoon

Desiree Kissoon — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 14:28:55 +0000

It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this comment. I knew Mr de Caires was not feeling very well, yet I had harbored 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 karoke 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’ favorite karoke song. For those who knew him that song aptly described this man who could be an ominous 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 chance when no one ekse would,he change 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 fell 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 Arathak 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 coated 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 realy 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, Brendon, 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 regrets his death.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rest in peace good sir and I know death did not find you sleeping.

By: eloise

eloise — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 14:05:11 +0000

MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF DAVID CAIRES
AND THE STAF OF STABROEKNEWS-
WHAT A LOST
MAY HE REST IN PEACE

By: vatvic

vatvic — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 13:40:57 +0000

A true Guyanese Leader has left us, Now more than ever his principles must be upheld , and not be sacrificed in vain at the altar of lackeys… Stand Tall SN Stand Tall.

By: SAM

SAM — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:41:38 +0000

ANOTHER GREAT LOSS FOR GUYANA. A MAN WHO KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING. MY HEARTFELT SYMPATHY. CONDOLENCES TO THE IMMIDIATE FAMILY.

By: true guyanese

true guyanese — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:26:20 +0000

a great loss for guyana….many are call but few are choosen.. mr de caries was one of the chosen one…who struggle to get stabroek news on the market…..hope his work will not go in vain…gone but not forgotten……..lets live life to the fullest as we never knows what tomorrow will bring……peace is the journey and love is the ticket…..may his soul rest in peace….

By: bakr

bakr — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 11:48:58 +0000

A great Guyanese is gone. To be the editor of a paper like the SN requires a sense of fairness, good taste and judgement, a certain detachment , and intellectual height and range. Such people are rare in the world of journalism and , in Guyanese journalism, De Caires brought all of those qualities to the craft.

The team at SN was part of the experience of giving us quality stuff. Now his succesors at SN will have to preserve and perpetuate the standards he set. Be vigilant that the paper not shrink to the temper found elsewhere in the media environment. However, let’s say we have confidence in you guys. On a personal note, few Editors, notably De Caires and Lloyd Best have had the breadth and indulgence to publish some of the often difficult stuff I submitted. And that others had printed also. Which is to say trhat they were among the few to appreciate that a newspaper has to cater for all of the “publics” that exist in a country. Too often the media pitches its stuff at fourteen year olds. More of an indication of the capacities of its managers than of the needs of the reading public. De Caires proved that a good mix can work.. That it is part of good professional standards.

By: Sean John

Sean John — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 10:52:58 +0000

Saw news indeed. May his soul rest in Peace, Amen!!!

By: Messsage from the South of Brazil to uncle Basil.

Messsage from the South of Brazil to uncle Basil. — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 10:51:15 +0000

Sad news indeed. May his soul rest in peace… Amen!!!

By: guyman04

guyman04 — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 05:20:54 +0000

My sympaty to his close family, and extended family too you have done a lot for Guyana by starting Stabroek news I love to read it when I was home and even now more so , hope some family member can step in and continue his work rest in peace .

By: Charliebrown

Charliebrown — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 04:31:21 +0000

I”M STUNNED < LOST FOR WORDS

By: torbo

torbo — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 03:13:39 +0000

my sympathy to the de caires family, he is in a better place now rest in peace sir

By: Richard Lewis

Richard Lewis — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 03:01:54 +0000

David and I grew up in the same area in Georgetown but did not interact much with each other however, I did know many of his relatives and friends and wish to extend my heart felt condolences to them, his employees and co-workers at Stabroek News.

By: evileyes

evileyes — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 02:55:45 +0000

A great loss indeed………..
Condolences to the family…….
May you R_I_P Sir…..

By: Dennis

Dennis — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 02:28:22 +0000

My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and the staff of Stabroek News on the passing of Mr David de Caires.

This is a sad day for all Guyana, Guyana has lost a great and courageous son. Mr. de Caires has cemented his place in the echelon of great Guyanese stalwarts, Martin Carter, Walter Rodney, Eusi Kwayana, Cheddi Jagan, etc. Eusi being the only one among the greats still alive.

In a time of need Mr. De Caires fought and gave Guyana the essential tool for the emergence of democracy. When the Stabroek News was established in 1986, it ushered in the era of the free press, and though the free press and democracy in Guyana is continually threatened, Mr. De Caires and the Stabroek News, in the face of enormous challenge continued to struggle for the fundamental human right of expression.

Monsieur l’abbé, I detest what you write, but I would give my life to make it possible for you to continue to write.”
–Voltaire

Mr. de Caire contribution to Guyana is the freedom of expression, let us not take this for granted. May his soul rest in peace

By: MIKE PERSAUD, New York

MIKE PERSAUD, New York — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 02:18:50 +0000

I am saddened to learn of Mr. David de Caires’ passing.

I have never met this man, yet I feel as if I have known him all my life. In an article he published in Caribbean Contact in 1979, he openly wondered :”why every time a new political party is founded in Guyana, it always embraces Marxism – Are the people to be left w/o a choice?”.

He was concerned about the lack of space in which a free press, democracy and free market economy can be given a chance. In 1986 he did something about it. He founded an independent newspaper – and this became a silver bullet for the return of democracy and indeed a free market economy.

As a U.S.-based lobbyist Free and Fair Elections in 1990-92, his paper was a great educational tool. We xeroxed relevant articles by the hundreds and circulated to thousands of people – including Congressmen, whose support we needed. The paper in 1990-92 read like a Free and Fair Elections broadsheet.

Two years ago his came paper came under attack by the govt. for its independent editorial and news reporting. I wrote letters protesting govt’s action and lobbied U.S. Congressmen for support. Hundreds of people protested. One day I was pleasantly surprised to receive an email from him thanking me for my support. He was meticulous about detail and never failing to express gratitude for small things.

De Caires – true patriot. Devoted his whole life for the betterment of his nation.

By: Vidyaratha Kissoon

Vidyaratha Kissoon — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 01:55:10 +0000

Mr deCaires’ contribution to public life in Guyana through Stabroek News is important. Thanks to him and his wife for bringing SN through tough times. The letter pages have been a great space where all kinds of things have been debated. There was that particular January edition, when supporters of both the PNC and the PPP wrote letters accusing the SN of being affiliated with the ‘opposite’ one. Mr deCaires in a brief meeting said he had passed many of the letters which I have written, even though he did not agree with the content. The SN letter pages have encouraged many young persons especially to express their views. Condolences go out to his family and his colleagues.

By: Mohamed Khan

Mohamed Khan — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:55:15 +0000

I join with the rest of the writers to express my condolences to Mrs. deCaires and the rest of the family. As one of the early writers with the newspaper, I join also with the other former reporters in their comments on Mr. deCaires and the tremendous impact he has had on all our lives. I remember joining the newspaper just before the 1992 elections and meeting with Mr. deCaires and quickly becoming impressed with his commitment to the democratic processes. No one can challenge his contribution to Guyana and changes he has helped to bring about to the country. A great patriot has passed and he will be missed.
Mohamed Khan

By: Carlos E. Gomez

Carlos E. Gomez — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:41:13 +0000

I am very sad to learn that Mr. David de Caires lives no more in this physical world, but he will remain in the mind and hearts of those who met him and had the opportunity to talk with him and exchange ideas. Nice person; a gentleman.
My condolences to Mrs. Doreen de Caires and rest of family.