20th death anniversary: Satyadeow Sawh’s life was decorated with service – Pres Ali

Former Agriculture Minister Satyadeow Sawh was remembered with affection and appreciation for his various contributions to Guyana on the 20th anniversary of his death.

Sawh, fondly called “Sash” or “Sat”, a minister of the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, was murdered on April 22, 2006 when gunmen attacked his Earl’s Court, La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara (ECD) home. His sister Phulmattie Persaud and brother Rajpat Rai Sawh, along with security guard Curtis Robertson, were also killed in the shooting.
Speaking at the 20th death anniversary, President Dr Irfaan Ali said, “…Comrade Sat Sawh’s journey of life was decorated with his service, celebrated by his sacrifice, paused by human cruelty. But rebooted in tradition, family, institution, belief and loyalty.”
The Guyanese Leader joined family members, friends, associates including from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and others for a special remembrance service on Saturday that was done in the form of a religious function according to Hindu rites. Despite his political work both in Guyana and the diaspora, Sawh played an integral role in the Arya Samaj organisation.
President Ali noted that these institutions like the PPP, Association of Concerned Guyanese (ACG) and Arya Samaj did not only shape the life and work of the former minister but it is through them that his legacy will live on.
“There is no doubt that Comrade Satyadeow Sawh live an extraordinary life… Comrade Sash Sawh lived a life of conviction… He was convinced that his life was for a purpose. He was convinced that he was representing something larger than life. He was convinced that he was representing a cause. And his life was structured based on that conviction. And that conviction was based on belief, dignity, value and purpose,” Ali stated.

“Industrious political activists”
With Guyana’s celebrating its 60th independence anniversary next month, the Guyanese Leader recalled Sawh’s efforts in the struggle for democratic freedoms, describing him as one of the most “industrious political activists” and “assiduous ministers.” In fact, the Head of State noted that it was the foundation that the former agriculture minister laid during his tenure that the current PPP Administration was able build a multi-billion-dollar aquaculture industry.
“He made a positive impact… Those who knew him remember more than his heavy work… They remember the jovial laugh, they remember the wonderful spirit, the man who made every farmer and fisherman feel seen and important. Behind that warmth was a staunch political activist, utterly devoted to Guyana’s development. His popularity was never performative. It was a gravitas of a man who truly loved his country and his people. He was taken from us at a relatively young age. And in that loss, Guyana hemorrhaged one of his most hard-working and devoted sons. And still, two decades later, the fields of Guyana whisper his name,” President Ali noted.
Also reflecting on the life and work of Sawh was former President Donald Ramotar, who described his death as “naked terrorism.” Ramotar noted that the Sawh carried out his duty to Guyana even after he migrated to Canada, where he was doing political activism on behalf of the PPP.
“He was really funny. He was a great host, great entertainer and really fun to be with. And that is why I’m so pleased today that this activity has been organised to remember him and the contributions he has made,” the former president stated.
Ramotar, who also previously served as PPP General Secretary in past, noted that much of what Sawh fought for are being achieved the current PPP/Civic government – something that the slain minister would be proud of.
“Many of the things that are being done now, he would have been high in praise [of] and approve… I think the family of Sash Sawh can very well feel contented. Despite the sadness and tragic circumstances, they can feel contented by the quality of life that he lived, that he served his fellow countrymen and his contributions even went beyond the shores of Guyana,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Sawh’s wife, Sattie, echoed similar sentiments about the development of Guyana.
“I have to say what an impact visiting Guyana has made on my family and I, as you have been bringing to life a vision that the likes of Sash…and so many others dream of,” Mrs Sawh stated.
She explained that Saturday’s remembrance service was held on the same date that the funeral for her husband and relatives was held. Mrs Sawh recalled the “calm and enjoyable night” with family that upended their lives and threw them in turmoil. She noted they were able to get through that period with the support of the people around.
“Words cannot describe the difficulties of dealing with a massacre and yet, this was what we were required to do. As I reflect on the events of that period, I have a clear picture in my mind of a sea of people joining us in mourning and prayers. This overwhelming scene is our motivation for today’s event… To thank all of those who supported us then, who have continued to support us throughout the years and who still keep us in their thoughts and prayers,” Mrs Sawh said.