“A towering figure in Guyanese broadcasting” – GPA hails Rovin Deodat

The Guyana Press Association (GPA) has paid tribute to veteran Guyanese broadcaster and communications specialist, Dr Rovin Deodat, who died on Friday.
In a statement on Saturday, the GPA said it “…is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Rovin Deodat AA, a towering figure in Guyanese broadcasting whose career spanned some five decades.”
Dr Deodat began his broadcasting life at the now defunct Radio Demerara and went on to become one of the most recognisable voices in the country’s media landscape, best known for his long-running programmes “From Word to Word” and “Have You Ever Wondered?”, through which he shared his exceptional command of language and his curiosity about the world with generations of listeners.
According to the GPA, Dr Deodat was also instrumental in supporting the expansion of the community broadcasting system in Guyana. Through the expansion, he facilitated the training of several young broadcasters entering the industry.
“Guyana has lost not just a broadcaster but an educator and a steward of the profession, and his contribution to the industry will not be forgotten,” the Association said.
Deodat was widely respected for his command of the English language, linguistic expertise and knowledge of words.
During his illustrious broadcasting career, Deodat, who held a PhD in Communications, a master’s degree in English and a bachelor’s degree in English, hosted a number of live and recorded radio programmes. These included the popular “Word to Word” programme in which he introduced listeners to countless words, explaining their meaning, origin, pronunciation, and proper use.
Dr Deodat was also a recipient of the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA).
On Friday, President Dr Irfaan Ali paid tribute to the late radio icon, describing him as a master of his craft who has made substantial contributions to the local broadcasting industry.
“In that sense, his legacy lives in the voices of others. It lives in the broadcasters he trained. It lives in the listeners he educated. It lives in the students and ordinary citizens whose vocabulary was enlarged because of him. And it lives in the countless people who, perhaps without even realising it, became more attentive to the meaning and proper use of words because Rovin Deodat made language a part of their daily lives,” the Guyanese leader stated in his condolence message.