Fmr PPP/C activist Don Singh dies at 56

– Hailed for civic work, commitment to improving lives

Councillor on the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and activist for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Jai Narine Singh, commonly known as “Don Singh”, died at the age of 56 after suffering a serious stroke last week.
Following his death, tributes poured in on Saturday. Among those who expressed sadness at Singh’s passing was President Dr Irfaan Ali, who said he had hoped and prayed for his recovery. “I am deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Don Singh. Don Singh will be remembered as someone whose presence in civic life carried both substance and character,” the Head of State noted in a statement.
According to the President, though Singh came from a family with a strong legal background and a long-standing involvement in the political life of Guyana, he distinguished himself not through his lineage but through a style that was both lively and unmistakably his own.
“He brought energy to his work as a Councillor of the Georgetown City Council. He could be excessively witty but also brutally frank. That candidness gave voice to concerns in a direct and unvarnished manner, reminding all that municipal politics exists to respond to real, everyday problems,” Ali posited.
The Guyanese leader added that Singh understood that public life does not have to be devoid of warmth or humanity.

“In his interactions, there was often wit – sometimes gentle, sometimes pointed – but rarely without a sense that he was fully engaged with the people around him. He carried an evident commitment to improving the well-being of citizens. Fate has robbed him of making a more substantive contribution to national life. But he will be remembered not only for what he did but also for the infectious spirit in which he did things,” Ali stated.
The President extended condolences to Singh’s family, friends, and all who mourn his passing. Meanwhile, the PPP/C – the party Singh represented on the Georgetown City Council – also expressed deepest condolences on his passing, describing him as a dedicated party activist and a Councillor.
“Mr Singh served the Party and the people of Georgetown with commitment and humility. His passing is a significant loss not only to his family and loved ones but also to the Party and the wider Georgetown community,” the Party said in a brief statement on Saturday. Other associates and colleagues have also taken to social media to share their condolences regarding Singh’s passing.

Indelible mark
In addition to serving on the Georgetown City Council, Singh was also elected President of the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) earlier this year.
The GCC’s executive and members are also mourning Singh’s passing, saying that his unwavering devotion to the club and the game of cricket has left an indelible mark on the institution.
“For most of his 56 years, Don’s life was inseparably linked to GCC. His lifelong connection to the club began in 1975, when, as a five-year-old, he was taken by his father to Bourda to watch his first cricket match. That memorable experience ignited a passion for cricket and for the club that remained with him throughout his life,” the club stated.
From an enthusiastic supporter in the stands, Singh became a dedicated and long-serving member of GCC. This commitment, the club noted, culminated in his election as President in January of this year – a role he accepted with humility, purpose and an unwavering determination to serve.
“An avid cricket aficionado, Don was deeply passionate about the development of the game. His decision to seek the presidency was driven by his firm belief that the time was right to lead the development agenda of Guyana’s most iconic cricket club,” the GCC said.
It went on to add that Singh had many ambitious plans for the club during his tenure as President; foremost among them was creating a conducive environment where players could develop their skills and elevate their game.
“Don was a candid and benevolent leader whose honesty, generosity and genuine concern for others earned him the respect and affection of all who knew him. He was never afraid to speak his mind when it was in the best interest of the club, yet he always did so with kindness, fairness and a sincere desire to see others succeed.”
Although his tenure as President was far too brief, Don’s vision, enthusiasm and commitment inspired everyone who worked alongside him. His legacy will endure in the values he championed, the aspirations he instilled, and the love he had for the club that was such an important part of his life,” the club noted.