Rupert Roopnaraine: Tributes from family, friends, colleague

Dear family and extended Family, Friends and well –wishers, thank you for this opportunity to share on Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine’s Life and Legacy. Indeed and unquestionably, his was one such to laud, glorify and celebrate! The Nation of Guyana (and the Caribbean Region) can only reflect in breathtaking awe with regards to Rupert’s stellar achievements, commitments, and decades of contributions and sacrifice to his beloved country British Guiana/ Guyana. Rupert’s Lifetime was one comprehensively lived. His legacy is secure. He became a ‘beacon of excellence”, in every sense of the expression! 

From the perspective of a fellow Alumnus of The Queen’s College of Guyana, it is with unfathomable pride and elation that I recognize him as a Cricketer, a Guyana Scholar, a world class Intellectual, an Academician, an Author, a Politician, a Family man, and a genuine son of Guyana’s soil. He excelled time after time and again no matter where he travelled whether it was to the UK, the USA, to Canada and of course across his cherished homeland of Guyana. He loved his people and country. He was a patriot! The legendary character Sydney Carton from Charles Dickens’ A Tale of two cities (1859) spoke as follows: “It is a far, far better thing that I do than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known”. So I believe it is with Dr. Roopnaraine.

Farewell Doc. Walk good! Fideles, Ubique, Utiles (Faithful, Everywhere, Useful). 

Lala Ramprasad, aka Rampy - Q.C. of Guyana (1968-1976) Woolley House (H). 03/01/2026

"Speaking then as Minister of  Education, Dr. Roopnaraine made a proposal that seemed simple, almost fragile, in the midst of weighty fiscal matters. He proposed that we train school choirs throughout Guyana. He said something that has stayed with me ever since. Every child, he reminded us, already possesses a  musical “instrument … called the voice.” That instrument requires no import licence, no foreign exchange, no expensive procurement. It is given freely. And he envisioned that this instrument could be used to form choirs in schools across the country. He imagined children singing each morning, from the coastland to the hinterland, their voices rising together at the start of the school day." Read more in Kaieteur News. 

 Rupert looked at my old scratched up car with a tied up dickie, and grinned and said, "a wpa car". A man who slipped with ease between many worlds , he lived every drop of life , yet he worshipped people , while it was all also a source of joy and amusement. I am lucky to have brushed up against this Caribbean man. I will search for some of his dust on my self.

Rupert was a teacher, mentor and leader who listened more than he spoke. His incessant scribbling during meetings always fascinated me, but after all differences were exhausted by all present, he always came up with a solution that was acceptable to everyone.

 Condolences to Families & Friends. I met Dr. Rupert Roopnarine, during the 1960’s during my Tenure with Speaker R. B. Gajraj. He is a renowned Guyanese politician, writer, and cricketer, who left an indelible mark on Guyana's history. As a co-leader of the Working People's Alliance (WPA), he stood firm against adversity, earning respect for his intellect and commitment to justice and equality. His contributions to politics, literature, and education have inspired many, and his legacy continues to resonate with those striving for a better future. Dr. Roopnarine's writings showcased his literary talent, and he was awarded the OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature in 2013 for his collection of essays, "The Sky's Wild Noise". As Minister of Education, he carried his quiet scholarship into public service, earning respect across the political divide. Rest in Peace. Rise with Glory. A Job well done on Earth.

I met Rupert Roopnarine in 2010 as a young member of the People’s National Congress Reform and an aspiring politician and from the very beginning, the experience was both inspiring and deeply educational. As we campaigned across Guyana, traveling from Georgetown to Linden, to Essequibo, and to Berbice, I had the privilege of not only sharing memorable moments with this giant but also learning invaluable lessons about our nation’s history, particularly the relationship between the PNCR and the Working People’s Alliance. What stayed with me most was his wisdom that even though we may fight today, we can certainly love tomorrow. I vividly recall the 2011 campaign when President Donald Ramotar was the candidate for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, and as we searched for a campaign slogan for A Partnership for National Unity, it was Dr. Rupert who, standing on stage at Cuffy Square, electrified the crowd with “1992 - PPP had no place fuh Donald, 1997 - no place fuh Donald, 2001 - no place fuh Donald, 2006 - no place fuh Donald, 2011…” and the crowd thundered back, “No place fuh Donald.” That chant became the heartbeat of our campaign. Dr. Rupert was more than a political figure. He was a mentor, a gem, and a true friend. I only wish I had more time to spend with him. Rest well, my mentor, my friend, and undoubtedly one of Guyana’s finest gems. To his daughter, whom I got to know and share a cordial friendship with, sincerest condolences. We shall all be comforted by the fact that today is Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine’s day but ours is not far way for we are only transiting this mundane world.