
…. hailed by PNCR as a staunch advocate of environmental security
Former Toshao of Kako Village and Vice Chairman of the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region, Abel Krammer has died.
Krammer, who was in his late 80s, died on Saturday, January 9 shortly after 10:00hrs in his village, located in Upper Mazaruni.
Krammer served as Toshao of Kako Village from 1969 to 1982, and went onto serve as Vice Chairman of Region Seven in the early 1990s.
In a statement, People’s National Congress expressed condolences to Krammer’s wife, Maxine, their children and the entire Kako Village.
“Abel Krammer was a patriarch of the three founding families – the Hastings, Krammers and Williams – who established the village in 1957,” PNC said while noting that Krammer and his wife Maxine had nine children.
In and out of office, Krammer, who was a staunch PNC member, dedicated his life to the development of his people and the protection of the environment.
“Abel Krammer was a staunch advocate of environmental security and sought to protect the Kako River – the village’s main source of water – from the threat of pollution from riverine mining. He was a defender of the rights of Indigenous people and was a recipient of the People’s National Congress’ 6oth Anniversary Achievement Award in 2017,” the party said.
Former Regional Chairman of the Cuyuni-Mazaruni District, Gordon Bradford said he is saddened by the passing of his mentor and friend.
“He served as an advisor to me when I became Regional Chairman in 2001, and whenever I visited Kako I would find time to speak with him, and to learn from his experiences and to take his advice especially when treating within Indigenous communities. I am thankful to him, he was my dear old friend,” Bradford told Village Voice News.
Krammer was laid to rest hours after his passing given the absence of a morgue in the Upper Mazaruni.