TRIBUTE TO ASHTON CHASE, OE, SC

Dear Editor:

I learnt with sadness the passing of Ashton Chase. By every measure, a great and enduring Guyanese.

I remember Ashton from his earliest efforts to transform our country from a mere colonial outpost to a viable nation state.

His journey from being a member of the Political  Affairs Committee to becoming a Minister in the first government after the Waddington Constitution are well documented and it would be unnecessary for me to recite what is being and will be said about this gallant Guyanese.

Safe to recall that I knew him through his popular father, Sam Chase living around the corner from our family home in Howes Street, Charlestown and he was a visitor to our home. As a Lawyer, he was given the responsibility to manage the legal affairs of that property in Howes Street. This he did with a high level of professionalism.

We need also to be reminded that his passing  leaves only one person alive of that first group of Ministers in 1953. That one person alive is Eusi Kawaya, well known as Sidney King, 98 years old. The others have gone the way of all flesh, Cheddi Jagan, Forbes Burnhan, Dr. Latchmansingh and Jai Narine Singh.

Even though we may have chosen different sides, in a deeply polarized political society, we remained friends and always enjoyed cordial, amicable relationships. I had cause to consult him on aspects of our history from time to time, at all times sharing his experience, knowledge and opinion.

I miss his candor and humility .

On behalf of my wife and family and as the only living founding member of the PNC, I express condolences to his wife, children and family members and ask that they take comfort that he served his country with pride and distinction.

Farewell! Friend, Warrior and Nationalist.

Yours truly,

Hamilton Green