Dear Editor,
I read with great sadness of the passing away of my dear Comrade Premchand Dass and would like to share some of my thoughts of this man, because the good is ‘oft interred with the bones.‘
I met Premchand some two decades ago while I was at Albion Estate and he was the GAWU Field Secretary. Though we were on opposing sides, he always displayed a professionalism which evolved from his deep convictions and his knowledge of Marxism-Leninism. His many years studying in the Soviet Union gave him a solid base upon which to build his struggles for the sugar workers. He demonstrated deep insight into the struggle of the sugar workers and the class and race struggle which were inter-related and dominated politics of that time (1980-1988). He was a master theoretician and skilful debater who made his opinions convincing. Often, he liked to reminisce of his days studying in a communist country – the USSR – and the fairness with which goods and services were equitably distributed. He admired the great Soviet leaders who were his role models for a new world. He was also a great admirer of Dr Cheddi Jagan who hailed from the neighbouring village of Port Mourant.
Prem came from very humble beginnings, being born in the village of Chesney in Albion.
These humble beginnings, he never forgot and took with him throughout his career. He also had a human side which some may know. He was a deeply devoted family man and he loved singing. Though he never boasted of his singing ability, his lilting imitations of Mohamed Rafi’s songs will always be remembered. In the midst of our deliberations, he would ask if I wanted to listen to one of his melodies, and the rendition reduced tense labour relations. He started out his arguments sometimes vehemently, but calmed down quickly as he understood the other side of the problem. Above all, he was never vituperative and perceived our personal relations as being more important than the other issues.
I will always remember Comrade Premchand Dass.
Yours faithfully,
Vevek Madho
New York
