by Karen Abrams
Four days ago, our nation lost a great soul, Dr. Simpson Da Silva. I met Dr. Da Silva in 2011, and during that conversation, he insisted on one day taking me to Victoria Village to meet a few residents who processed coconut oil. He envisioned the expansion of their operations to help make the village more prosperous. Over the years, we had numerous conversations about agricultural opportunities. He believed deeply in the power of agriculture and the benefits of herbs like moringa, which many of us have purchased from him. Dr. Da Silva was a brilliant man, a believer, an optimist, and Guyana has lost a great treasure.
Dr. Da Silva’s passion for agriculture was matched by his commitment to environmental conservation. Appointed Minister of Agriculture in 1985 at the age of 25 by then-President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, he was the youngest minister during that regime. His dedication to conservation was evident from the start. After his tenure as minister, he spent several years in the United States, where he conceptualized an ingenious way to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves, founding the Worldwide Prosperity Organisation in Enterprise, East Coast Demerara. His organization aimed to promote prosperity for all by enhancing health, wealth, happiness, success, peace, and love.
Dr. Da Silva emphasized the preservation of mangroves, considering them the first line of natural defense for any land. He passionately advocated against the destruction of mangroves, aiming to edify local residents in Guyana about their importance, so the nation could lead in conservation efforts.
In honor of Dr. Da Silva’s legacy, let us go home and plant a kitchen garden this week. Doing so will reduce our cost of living and improve our health, something he deeply believed in. As we plant our gardens, let us remember his dedication to agriculture, his optimism, and his unyielding belief in the potential for prosperity through sustainable practices. As we remember Dr. Da Silva, let us continue his mission by also conserving our precious resources. This act will serve as a tribute to his life’s work and his deep commitment to making Guyana and the world a better place.
Rest in peace, Dr. Simpson Da Silva. Your legacy will continue to inspire us all.
