In praise of Bal Naipaul

Dear Editor,

Balkrishna Naipaul and former T&T Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar

It is with profound sadness that I join with others to pay tribute to a friend and journalist/writer colleague, Balkrishna Naipaul, cousin of the iconic novelists, VS and brother SS Naipaul. BK Naipaul was very supportive of Guyanese and Trinis in North America, the Caribbean, and global causes, especially humanitarian issues and democracy. He was unquestionably an Indian nationalist and a great admirer and supporter of iconic Indian leaders like Atal Beharri Vajpayee, Lak Krishna Advani, and Narendra Modi. In fact, he attended several India events in New York. He spent a considerable amount of time in India.
He was a Trini and Canadian patriot but he was also an Indian nationalist and an internationalist, a man of many talents and interests, and a human being whose friendship touched so many Guyanese and Trinis alike. He constantly tried to reach out to other people, regardless of nationalities or ethnicities. Towards that goal, he was one of the founders of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) and a Life Member.
Although a Trini, BK Naipaul might as well be called Guyanese because he spent a considerable amount of time among Guyanese in Canada and New York since the 1980s patronising and participating in their events. And he stayed at the home of Guyanese “brother” Kali whenever he was in New York including when he was posted at the UN; all of this time in NY was among Guyanese who were involved in the Guyana struggle or Indo-Caribbean cultural activities. He visited Guyana a few times including during the period of the dictatorship and after the restoration of democracy.
He played a significant role in championing democracy for Guyana and was an ardent supporter of Dr Cheddi Jagan. He promoted Jagan’s New World Economic Order at the UN as well as in his writings and travels overseas. Naipaul’s was an unmistakable voice — in advocating for a strong United Nations and the interests of poor developing countries. He, like Jagan, championed a more just and peaceful world.
He was a very strong advocate of the UN. He advanced UN interests on issues ranging from peace and security and conflict resolution to protection of religious sites, refugees, human rights, and humanitarian issues. I had the opportunity to see and appreciate the value of his efforts from reading his works and engaging him on varied issues. He supported and defended the UN’s sense of purpose, especially as a moral compass for a new world order but he was disappointed that much was not done to advance that cause despite it being talked about much during the 1980s and 1990s. No matter what its shortcomings and problems, he was supportive of the UN and affiliated bodies like UNESCO, UNDP, ICC, ICJ, World Court, and other institutions to which the world turns for solutions to some of the most intractable problems.
Bal’s work is entirely unblemished. Wherever he spoke and or worked, he did so with enormous graciousness‚ integrity and distinction, excelling in all undertakings, leaving in his trail most pleasant memories of those who interacted with or listened to him. Those who knew him will tell you he had a permanent smile. And they all remember that trademark smile and his laugh, wit, and wisdom. He was reserved on the one hand but charming on the other. He handled discussions calmly and studiously, the hallmarks of a great diplomat. He was called in several times to resolve conflicts in NY among warring groups in various organisations, and he performed adeptly.
No doubt Bal Naipaul was one of the Indian diaspora’s greatest compatriots and his contributions to Guyana, Indo-Caribbeans and the Indian diaspora will not be forgotten. And while he was honoured by the Indo-Caribbean community in New York by several organisations for his supportive role in the fighting of democracy in Guyana and the Guyanese presence in America, regrettably his role was never acknowledged by succeeding Guyana Governments.
Heartfelt sympathies to his wife and family members. He will be sorely missed. His legacy will live through his writings. Rest in peace, my dear old friend.

Sincerely,
Vishnu Bisram