President Ali pays tribute to Don Singh, says Guyana has lost a spirited public servant

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has expressed deep sadness at the passing of Georgetown City Councillor Don Singh, describing him as a candid, energetic and engaging public servant whose contributions to civic life will be remembered.

In a statement on Saturday, the President said he had hoped and prayed for Singh’s recovery, lamenting what he described as an untimely loss.

“I am deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Don Singh. I had hoped and prayed for his recovery,” the President said.

Reflecting on Singh’s life, President Ali noted that while he came from a family with a distinguished legal background and a long history of involvement in Guyana’s political landscape, he forged his own identity through his personality and approach to public service.

“Don distinguished himself, not through his lineage but through a style that was both lively and unmistakably his own,” the President stated.

President Ali praised Singh’s work as a Georgetown City Councillor, saying he brought energy to the role and was known for speaking candidly on issues affecting residents.

“He could be excessively witty but also brutally frank. That candidness gave voice to concerns in a direct and unvarnished manner, reminding all that municipal politics exists to respond to real, everyday problems,” he said.

Beyond his forthright nature, the President said Singh understood that public life should also be marked by compassion and humanity.

“In his interactions, there was often wit—sometimes gentle, sometimes pointed—but rarely without a sense that he was fully engaged with the people around him. He carried an evident commitment to improving the well-being of citizens,” President Ali remarked.

The Head of State said Singh’s passing had cut short what could have been an even greater contribution to national life.

“Fate has robbed him of making a more substantive contribution to national life. But he will be remembered not only for what he did but the infectious spirit in which he did things,” the President said.

President Ali extended condolences to Singh’s family, friends and all those mourning his passing.