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Today the body of Dr. Simpson Perry Da Silva will be interred at Auchlyne, Corentyne, Berbice. DaSilva, who was born on October 31, 1958, died on July 28, 2024. DaSilva was born in Lancaster, Berbice, a village known for Guyana’s honoured artist Phillip Moore, who designed and sculpted the 1763 Cuffy Monument.
The Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD), in a statement, is extending deepest condolences to the family and friends of Da Silva. “We join in mourning the loss of a remarkable leader and friend. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”
DaSilva was a founding member of the Institute and played a pivotal role in shaping its mission to combat discrimination and promote social justice across Guyana, IFAAD said.
IFAAD recalled that Da Silva’s unwavering dedication, vision, and passion for equality have left an indelible mark on its organisation and the broader community. His contributions were instrumental in advancing our cause, the organisation intoned.
DaSilva contributed to Guyana’s development in many areas, notably being his services as a government minister and member of parliament. When DaSilva was appointed Agriculture Minister, under the Forde Burnham government, he was 25 years old. He holds the distinction of being the youngest minister of government to ever be so appointed.
Recounting DaSilva’s work with the anti-discrimination group, the body said his analytical skills were always deep which caused his explanations to be simple and made it easy for the layman to understand during their outreaches.
At community meetings, he dissected the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and explained it with such passion, making everyone feel that each goal means something to one’s life, IFAAD reflected.
Also reflecting, is host of the ‘Straight Up’ programme, Mark Benschop. Benschop, a fellow Berbician, shared that when DaSilva became minister as children in the Berbice community, it was a moment of pride that a villager could ascend to that level.
Sharing an anecdote from childhood, Benschop noted that during the Burnham government every school had a garden and school children were involved in gardening. “Seeing one of our own, at that time, we felt if we became good farmers and focused on agriculture, one day we too could become a minister of agriculture,” he reflected.
Veteran trade unionist and Chairman of IFAAD Lincoln Lewis said DaSilva had a brilliant mind but one of the problems in the Guyanese society is that he lived in an era when policy makers are afraid of thinkers.
According to Lewis, having heard the UN consultants and specialists without any reservation DaSilva’s understanding was unmatched. “When one speaks about development, Simpson’s opinions are always thought for serious consideration,” he advised.
IFAAD Vice Chairman Pt. Ubraj Narine said DaSilva would be greatly missed and he learned a lot from him during their interaction. “Dr. DaSilva was an asset to this country and IFAAD’s work. We will continue his good work.”
