PPP’s Navin Chandarpal dies

Last Updated on Tuesday, 28 October 2014, 13:20 by GxMedia

Veteran Guyanese politician, Navin Chandarpal died early Tuesday morning at his home, ending a long battle with  stomach cancer, according to well-placed sources.

He was in his 60s.

The former Minister of Agriculture was Presidential Advisor on Sustainable Development up to the time of his death.

Regarded highly by the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP) for his statistical skills, Chandarpal played an integral role in the drafting of revised local government laws in relation to computing districts.

President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Komal Chand said: “While one was aware that his sickness was terminal, the fact that it happened, it means we have lost a great Guyanese.” Chandarpal also served as Principal and Lecturer at GAWU’s Labour College.

Chandarpal entered politics while a student at the Richard Ishmael Secondary School and quickly moved up through the ranks to lead the PPP’s  Progressive Youth Organisation.

The PPP ‘old guard’ member was later to be banned from Cabinet by then President Bharrat Jagdeo and his tenure as presidential advisor came to an abrupt end. Chandarpal, despite his illness, again became visible after the election of President Donald Ramotar and he was re-appointed advisor.