Dear Editor,
The family, friends and associates of David de Caires deserve the outpouring of sympathy that has followed his passing, and all Guyanese, press-freedom and democracy fighters the world over should mourn the loss of such a rare and great fighter. In Guyana where such courage is uncommon but desperately needed considering our economic and political predicament, de Caires’s loss has left a void.

The letter columns of the Stabroek News − and I am grateful to Mr de Caires for accommodating me as a former regular contributor − were undoubtedly pivotal to the restoration of democracy, while the incumbent government subsequently withdrew advertisements to paralyse the Stabroek News for doing the very things it did whereby their victory was facilitated. It was after incessant condemnations and protestations that de Caires prevailed.

The ‘de Caires Stabroek News’ − which name I now suggest should be used to memorialise his contribution to the newspaper and the country as a whole – the Catholic Standard and its editors such as Father Morrison and others, must have a permanent and conspicuous place for all time just as other historical figures do. We must not deny such recognition.

The loss of such an indefatigable fighter is indeed depressing in a country where threats, fear and corruption have compromised almost every potential and recent fighter who has either fled to foreign lands or remained passive. It is hoped that the management of  Stabroek News will not surrender to adversity but be strengthened by the founder’s perseverance, strength, fortitude in spite of being shattered by Mr de Caires’s passing and continue to publish the newspaper with an enhanced letter column, which initially contributed to its popularity, eventual longevity and democratic credentials. The fight continues.
Yours faithfully,
M Sookraj