The PNCR in expressing sadness at the death of Stabroek News Editor-in-Chief David de Caires noted that in particular he will be remembered for his “fierce commitment to press freedom and his robust stance when the PPP/C Administration withdrew advertising from his newspaper.”
The opposition party observed in a statement that de Caires “fought vigorously both locally and internationally until it was restored.”
The PNCR said further that de Caires was a champion of press freedom not only for Guyana and the Caribbean but for the world, and expressed its sincere condolences to his wife, Doreen, his children, Isabelle and Brendan, and other members of his immediate family.
The party said further that de Caires was a pioneer in the expansion of the private media in the country and made a significant contribution to the legal and journalistic professions.
The PNCR also noted that de Caires had “capitalized on the intention of the Desmond Hoyte administration to expand the private media by launching the Stabroek News in 1986.”
Describing de Caires as a well read man of broad culture, the party said that he excelled in the legal profession, but realized subsequently that his greater interest lay in the profession of journalism.
“He had earlier been the Editor of the New World Weekly magazine and was a member of that group of men who sought to offer solutions to the deep seated problems of Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean,” the PNCR said
“Indeed,” the party added, “he was optimistic that despite the seeming intractability of our problems, Guyana could overcome them and create a cohesive and harmonious society.”
It is well documented, the PNCR said, that as the Editor-in-Chief of Stabroek News, he was a compassionate boss who was interested in the development of his reporters and maintained a deep interest in the great events of the time and exhibited a lifelong love of all sports.
The PNCR expressed the hope that God would grant the de Caires family the “fortitude and strength to take them through this difficult moment in their lives.”
