RFA Secretary Harold D’Aguiar passes on

Dec 30, 2008 Sports

Football fraternity saddened

Harold Paul D’Aguiar

By Franklin Wilson and Brian Sam
The football fraternity in Guyana has been plunged into a state of shock with the passing of Rupununi Football Association Secretary Harold D’Aguiar, last Saturday in Brazil at age 53.
D’Aguiar, who was elevated to this position after serving in a similar capacity for the Central Rupununi Football Association, has served with distinction since 1998 up to the time of his passing in a Boa Vista hospital following a brief period of illness.
The former teacher turned businessman has had a colorful and successful career and impacted the lives of thousands of individuals not only from his community, but Guyana as a whole.
D’Aguiar, was born on August 7, 1955, he spent several years molding the minds of many as a teacher attached to the St. Ignatius Primary School for several years. In the late 1970’s early 80’s he launched his political career as a member of the People’s National Congress (PNC). He served as Sub-Regional Executive Officer stationed at Aishalton – Deep South with responsibility for the Southern part of Region 9. D’Aguiar, who was always a pleasant person always going beyond the call of duty to serve his fellow humans, also has the distinction of being the First Regional Chairman of Amerindian decent for region 9, a position he held from 1981 to 1986.
He served on the Central Executive Committee of the PNC Youth Arm for several years and was also an active member of the St. Ignatius Sports Club up to the time of his passing.
The members of his community recognized his ability as a community leader and elected him secretary of the Central Rupununi Football Association in mid 1998, later in the year, on October 4, to be precise, he was elevated to serve as secretary of the Rupununi Football Association and was one of the core leaders in lobbying the Guyana Football Federation to recognize the RFA as a full member of the Federation.
D’Aguiar’s persistence in believing that the players from the Hinterland was as good as any other player to represent Guyana paid off with a number of them donning national colors for their country.
Readily coming to mind are Emerick Williams who has played for Guyana from under-17 up to the senior level, Johnny Farias and the Parks brothers Daxton, Peter and Anthony.
During his watch also, the Guyana female team to the CFU Women’s Tournament in 2001 was primarily made up of players from the Rupununi.
D’Aguiar was always proud and happy of these achievements and always wanted to see more being done for the development of the sport in the region.
He was committed and passionate to seeing the standard of the sport being elevated in the Lethem and the Hinterland in general. He also played a great role in working together with his fellow businessmen in the area and was Vice Chairman of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce at the time of his passing. John Macedo is the present Chairman.
He served in a similar capacity under the past two Chairmen, Mohammed Khan and Alfred Ramsarran.
As a member of the Guyana Football Federation General Council, D’Aguiar was always actively involved at meetings whenever he attended earning the respect of his fellow colleagues.
The entire fraternity in Region 9, administrators, referees, players and coaches has expressed shock at his passing and they are extending sincere condolences to the family of the late Harold Paul D’Aguiar.
He leaves to mourn his wife Jacqueline, daughter Melissa and two sons, Paul and Alex.

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