About Rupert Roopnaraine
Dr. Rupert Roopnarine was a renowned Guyanese scholar whose work in education left a lasting impact. His dedication to literature and cultural thought inspired many across the Caribbean.
Celebrating his Life & Legacy
Recording from March 1, 2026, celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine.
Rupert reading a poem
The Prophet: On Death by Kahlil Gibran
Then Almitra spoke, saying, We would ask now of Death.
And he said:
You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.
Moments to Cherish
Rupert’s community began with and was rooted in his family; he loved children, and his joy in the grandkids, Victor and Diego, Jaden, Kareem and Katerina was tangible.
Karen de Souza
PARENT PLEDGE
I pledge to show love and care
to all children:
my children,
and the children of others,
to help them grow up feeling
safe and happy.
I pledge never to hurt them
in mind, spirit, or body
by anything I say or do;
but to teach and teach and teach
and keep on teaching them
by my words and actions,
forever and ever,
always.
(from Kato, Kurukubaru, and Paramakatoi Parent Educator Groups, 2000)
Rupert Roopnaraine - Read the Tributes
Karen de Souza
Karen de Souza
Karen de Souza
"His classes were a joy- challenging, informative and very relaxed - no stiff formalities. They were an eye-opener as to what university could be: a place of collective care, where the generation of knowledge is not based on exclusion, but on ensuring each person had the means to participate." Read more
Danuta Radzik
Karen de Souza
Karen de Souza
"Rupert burst upon the Guyanese political scene as a young revolutionary film maker, intellectual, political leader and teacher and in his interaction with many inspired a cadre of exceptional young revolutionaries and many others who continue to work and struggle for a free, united multi- racial society where all are valued and all can reach their full potential. Rupert lives in all of us !!!!. " Read more
Nigel Westmas
Karen de Souza
Nigel Westmas
"Rupert’s influence was a fusion of intellectual production and movement politics. He was equally at home writing literary criticism and organizing a political meeting." Read more
Desmond Ali
Raphael Trotman
Nigel Westmas
"Dr. Roopnaraine not only loved the Arts, he was also a collector. He always responded to invitations of the Guyana United Artists (GUA) along with Ms. Jocelyn Dow, their support helped to develop many young Guyanese as artists." Read More.
Natalia Kamen
Raphael Trotman
Raphael Trotman
"He never gave up on the proposition that we all must do our bit to turn people’s misfortunes around, by taking action in the here and now. May we take that framework as his guidance for shaping a better world." Read More.
Raphael Trotman
Raphael Trotman
Raphael Trotman
"Much of what we value in our Constitution today reflects his intellectual depth and commitment to inclusivity and shared governance. His most enduring contribution was undoubtedly his shaping of the Preamble—a text that captures both the spirit and aspirations of our nation." Read more
Vishnu Bisram
President Irfaan Ali
President Irfaan Ali
"He was a towering figure in post-independence politics. Rupert’s writings and his contributions against authoritarianism allowed him to gain much popularity in Guyana and the diaspora." Read more
President Irfaan Ali
President Irfaan Ali
President Irfaan Ali
"In debate, he was firm yet never cruel; in disagreement, principled yet never dismissive. He treated opponents not as enemies, but as fellow citizens." Read more
Clive Lloyd
President Irfaan Ali
Trevor Boothe
" I have such precious memories of those days. Rupert was a natural. His tact and skills were like that of a diplomat. According to the cricketing analogy he was a safe pair of hands." Read more
Trevor Boothe
Trevor Boothe
Trevor Boothe
"Rupert Roopnaraine possessed the admirable qualities of having been a gentleman, a scholar, a politician on the streets and in the parliament, a sportsman, an author, an art connoisseur, a fine chef and a gracious host." Read more
Deryck Murray
Trevor Boothe
Deryck Murray
"For anyone who encountered him, however briefly or otherwise, Rupert left an indelible mark through his obvious intelligence and effervescent personality." Read more
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