Latest update November 7th, 2024 1:00 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Former Member of Parliament dies in US

Feb 17, 2010 News

Reverend Walter Bipat, a former PNC Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary, died earlier this month at the Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore Maryland. He was 64, three days shy of his 65th birthday.
On Sunday February 7, last, a Memorial Service was held at The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, Georgetown, Guyana.
Among those in attendance were Winston Murray – Member of Parliament and former Minister of Government; Dr. Richard Van West Charles – former Minister of Government;
Mr. Vibert Parvatan – former Minister of government; Mr. Alan Munroe – former Region Four Chairman; Ms. Sheila Chapman – Senior Official of the Ambassador for Peace Unit and leading member of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification; and Pastor Ronald McGarrell – who conducted the Service.
Representatives of the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China; and Mr. Roshan Khan – Business Executive, who himself is an Ambassador of Peace.
Tributes were paid to Pastor Walter Bipat in his many roles as Politician, Parliamentarian, Local Government official and as an executive on the Boards of commercial entities both local and international, as well as his service in cultural and religious bodies.
Mr. Vibert Parvatan, a former Minister of Government and former Parliamentarian, reflected on more than 30 years of association with Walter Bipat, whom he described as a dear friend.
Mr. Parvatan spoke of Pastor Bipat’s fine human qualities which endeared him to a wide cross section of people.  He described him as a kind, considerate, compassionate person who was motivated to help others and to serve in any capacity for the advancement of people and the development of Guyana.
He stated that Walter Bipat was always enthusiastic, dedicated and committed to whatever he did.
After Mr. Bipat left Guyana to reside overseas, they stayed in contact and whenever he was in Guyana, a significant portion of his time would be spent with him discussing both family issues and matters of national importance.
Dr. Van West Charles said that he admired Walter Bipat’s constant search for justice, fair play and equity. He described him as ‘never partial’ and a ‘unifying force’.
He added that Bipat was courageous and outspoken noting that at any meeting, however controversial, he would firmly state what he believed in.
Mr. Alan Munroe expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Walter Bipat ,who was his Vice Chairman, for helping him through difficult periods.
He said that Walter Bipat was in fact the person who taught him the many facets of local government as, when he assumed office as Chairman, he was an academic and former Permanent Secretary who had to learn about local government.
He spoke of Walter Bipat’s commitment to helping persons and the changes he brought about to assist old age pensioners.
Roshan Khan, a business executive, also spoke of Walter Bipat’s commitment to service, his willingness, his friendship and his love for the country.  He read a poem he wrote, dedicated to Walter Bipat.
Pastor McGarrell, his brother in the church movement, described Walter Bipat as hardworking and truly an Ambassador for Peace.  He referred to a trip they made three months ago to Cuba for a meeting with the Latin American Group on promoting peace.
He said it was a difficult trip with extended delays in Trinidad and Panama, and it was a stressful and tiring trip.  He observed how tiring it was for Walter Bipat who seemed unwell.
Walter Bipat’s address to the Latin American delegates on the final day was a powerful appeal for Peace and Unity and he received prolonged applause.  He was appointed an executive of the body.
Pastor McGarrell stated that at the said church where this service was being held, Pastor Bipat always had a special message for the congregation.
During Bipat’s last visit to Guyana, there was the sudden deterioration in his health. He had congestive heart failure.
The doctor confirmed his condition and that fluids were building up in his body with potential to get into the lungs and the heart.
He treated him as a temporary measure to make sure he was fit to travel by air back to the States.  The doctor also advised him that as soon as he gets home, the next day he must go to the cardiologist.
He did. He died soon after.

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | November, 6th, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

$1.5M up for grabs at K&S National Futsal Championship

$1.5M up for grabs at K&S National Futsal Championship

Nov 07, 2024

…Tournament kicks off November 20   kaieteur Sports- The Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, a name synonymous with the legacy of “Year End” football in Guyana, is returning to the local...
Read More
Big Names Ready for Group 4 Showdown at ENET Caribbean Clash of Champions

Big Names Ready for Group 4 Showdown at ENET...

Nov 07, 2024

West Indies hammer England in series decider

West Indies hammer England in series decider

Nov 07, 2024

Guyana Amazon Warriors confirm squad for 2024 Global Super League

Guyana Amazon Warriors confirm squad for 2024...

Nov 07, 2024

Excitement brews ahead of Hamilton Green’s KO Football C/ship kickoff

Excitement brews ahead of Hamilton Green’s KO...

Nov 07, 2024

SAMUEL FOO wins SEN School’s Chess Competition

SAMUEL FOO wins SEN School’s Chess Competition

Nov 07, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]