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Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, voice of justice and unity, passes at 83
Kaieteur News – Guyana today mourns the passing of Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, a towering intellectual, activist, and politician whose life’s work shaped the nation’s political and cultural landscape. He died early this morning at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, leaving behind a legacy of principle, vision, and unwavering advocacy for a united Guyana.
Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine
Dr Roopnaraine was a founding member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), a party that challenged the status quo and fought for fairness, democracy, and equality. Alongside the late Walter Rodney, he worked to build a movement that transcended race and class, believing that the nation could only thrive when all voices were included.
Reflecting on Dr Roopnaraine’s life and legacy, Dr David Hinds, co-leader of the WPA, said: “A man who never gave up on his principles, even when it was hard. He always believed in fairness and giving every Guyanese a voice.” He added: “Rupert had a vision for Guyana — one where people could work together, even if they disagreed. That vision inspired many of us to keep going.”
Dr Roopnaraine’s political ambition was guided by his deep commitment to inclusion and justice. Educated at the University of Cambridge, he combined scholarship with activism, using his knowledge of history, politics, and literature to challenge injustice and encourage thoughtful debate. Dr Hinds remembered: “He always thought about the bigger picture. He wanted Guyana to be a place where everyone felt included, no matter where they came from.”
Throughout his career, Dr Roopnaraine stood for principle over politics. During difficult times, when dissent and opposition could be risky, he remained steadfast in advocating for equality, dialogue, and shared responsibility in governance. He believed that political ambition was not just about office, but about serving the people and advancing a fairer society.
In later years, he served in government, including as Ministers of Education and Public Service under the APNU+AFC administration. There, he focused on reforming schools and improving education, reflecting the same lifelong belief in learning as a tool for empowerment. His contributions to culture, politics, and education demonstrated a rare combination of intellect and action, making him a guiding light for younger generations.
Dr Hinds recalled Dr Roopnaraine’s personal commitment to mentorship and principled leadership: “He inspired many of us not just with words, but by the way he lived. He didn’t just talk about fairness, he lived it.” His dedication to civic engagement and national development made him a bridge-builder in times of division, and a voice of reason when partisanship threatened to dominate.
Though soft-spoken, Dr Roopnaraine’s influence was vast. He was known for his ability to challenge powerful interests without compromising his values, and his contributions to Guyana’s political thought continue to resonate. Dr Hinds said: “His ideas and his courage will stay with us. He showed us that integrity and vision can shape a country.”
As Guyana remembers Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, it is clear that his life was defined not only by the offices he held, but by the principles he championed. From activism to politics, from writing to teaching, his efforts sought to create a Guyana where every citizen’s voice mattered, and where justice and unity were more than ideals — they were achievable goals.
The WPA says Dr Roopnaraine leaves behind a nation richer for his service and a generation inspired by his vision. His voice may be silenced, but his work, principles, and dreams for a more inclusive Guyana will continue to guide the country for years to come.
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