Region 6 RDC honours former Chairman, Vice Chairman for years of service

The Region Six (East Berbice–Corentyne) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) recently honoured former Regional Chairman David Armogan and former Regional Vice Chairman Zamal Hussain, crediting the two men for years of leadership, mentorship and service that helped to shape governance and community development across the region.
The appreciation ceremony, featured tributes from councillors and officials, many of whom said they were personally guided and moulded by Armogan and Hussain during their time in office. Plaques presented to both men highlighted the significance of their tenures. Armogan’s plaque recognised him as Regional Chairman (2012–2025) and cited “over a decade of distinguished leadership and devoted service to the people of Region Six,” adding that his vision, integrity and commitment strengthened communities and set a lasting standard of excellence in regional governance. Hussain’s plaque honoured him as Regional Vice Chairman (2020–2025) and credited his “dedicated leadership and tireless commitment to the growth and unity of Region Six,” while noting that his service advanced development and uplifted communities.

Personal reflections by staff
Sherryann Beharry reflecting on her experience working with both men, describing their leadership as transformative. She said that as an RDC councillor she was “very happy to work under Dr David” and her “comrade Zamal Hussain,” explaining that the term comrade represented brotherhood and sisterhood. Beharry told the gathering that working with the two leaders helped build her capacity and she expressed gratitude for the role they played in shaping who she is today. Meanwhile, Colin Moore, in his remarks, also highlighted the personal impact of the former chairman and vice chairman on younger councillors. He said he learned directly and indirectly from Armogan and credited him for demonstrating an approach to leadership that focused on issues rather than personalities. Moore recalled a moment from an earlier local Government contest when Armogan intervened calmly and fairly, a gesture that left him with tremendous respect. Though acknowledging political differences, Moore told the gathering he could genuinely say that Armogan had a heart for people and for service and thanked both men for their contributions to the region. Sean Smith echoed those sentiments, saying his closest tutoring in politics did not come from formal institutions, but from Armogan and Hussain. He described both men as political gurus with different styles and strengths, but equally influential in teaching him the realities of public service, leadership and service to people. Smith said he remained grateful for the opportunity to learn from them and wished them well in their future endeavours. Former Regional Vice Chairman Bhupaul Jhagroo reflected on his years working alongside Armogan, recalling that in 2012, when he became vice chairman, the then chairman stepped into office around the same period. Jhagroo said their working relationship from 2013 to 2015 was marked by cooperation and respect. “Without any issue, without any quarrel.,” he said while noting that Armogan taught him three qualities necessary for public office: patience, tolerance and compassion. Jhagroo described Armogan as a well-rounded person who represented the RDC eloquently and said while Armogan may no longer hold the chairmanship, many would miss the compassion and practical help he brought to the job. He also praised Hussain, telling him that his work was appreciated and expressing confidence that he would represent the people well as he moved on to higher responsibilities. Phillip Rose described Armogan as a diplomat and credited him for the patience he showed while navigating what he called Guyanese narratives and guesses. Rose said he admired the former chairman’s ability to remain calm and solution-oriented, adding that he hoped the council would maintain the same level of peace and objectivity going forward. He also acknowledged Armogan’s family support, noting that his wife was behind him 100 per cent and said Armogan had left his mark on the region.

Regional Health Officer Dr Vineshri Khirodhar offered one of the most personal tributes, saying she “felt it” when Armogan left the RDC. She recalled knowing him for about 20 years and noted his service on the health board as chairman. Khirodhar said she gained from Armogan both professionally and personally and described him as a father-like figure who was always available to guide and support others. While recognising both Armogan and Hussain for serving the region with different strengths, she said both had delivered to Region Six and deserved thanks and best wishes for the future.
Former Member of Parliament (MP) Reynard Ward told the ceremony that Armogan and Hussain had set the pace, and it was now the responsibility of the new councillors to rise above their current potential to produce for the residents of the region. Ward described Hussain as energetic and Armogan as a cool guy who knows what to do when, adding that while positions bring recognition, people ultimately remember leaders for who they are after they leave office.

Armogan, Hussain express gratitude
In his response, David Armogan acknowledged the presence of councillors and officials and congratulated the new regional leadership, including Regional Chairman Junior Basant. Armogan reflected on his long journey in regional development, noting that he had served as a councillor since 1997 and was approached to take up the chairmanship in 2012 after contemplation and encouragement from his family. He spoke openly about the sacrifices involved, crediting his wife for taking over his business and keeping it alive during his years of public service. Armogan also paid tribute to Hussain, describing him as a committed partner in leadership and noting that for the last five years Hussain worked in his office as his assistant. He urged councillors to walk the region and bring forward issues affecting the people, stressing that the job cannot be limited to attending meetings and collecting stipends. He reminded the council that leadership requires compassion, tolerance and listening to residents, sometimes even for the smallest concerns, because that is the reality of public service. Former Vice Chairman Zamal Hussain, in his response, said he was honoured to receive the plaque and thanked God for the health and strength to serve. He expressed gratitude to the party and leadership for the opportunity to serve as vice chairman over the past five years and told councillors that service must remain the priority. Hussain stressed that politics cannot end at the council table, but must be reflected in community work and real engagement with residents. He also praised the working relationship he had with Armogan, acknowledging their different styles but saying they worked together for the benefit of Region Six and its development.