Statement By The Hon. Robert M.Persaud, Minister Of Agriculture On The 2^nd Death Anniversary Of The Assassination Of Minister Satyadeow Sawh

 

April 22, 2008 marks the second anniversary of the assassination of the late Minister Satyadeow Sawh who was killed along with two of his siblings and a security guard at his La Bonne Intention home.

The Ministry of Agriculture views this as a very sad day. It is important that we recall who “Sash” as he was fondly called, was and from where he came.

Satyadeow Sawh, the youngest of nine children to his parents, was born on June 13, 1955 at Central Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara. His parents were primarily from a farming background but also operated a small business at their home. During the communal riots of 1963 their home and business were destroyed by fire. This resulted in the dislocation of the family to several parts of Guyana including Berbice and Mahaica.

“Sash” moved to Canada at a time when the democratic process in Guyana had been completely sabotaged with the army's intervention in the General Elections of 1973. He joined the Association of Concerned Guyanese (ACG) in Canada – an organization which grew under his Chairmanship and became very vibrant as an overseas based support group to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

In 1993, “Sash” was appointed Resident Ambassador to Venezuela.  His portfolio included the responsibility for Columbia and Ecuador. As Ambassador, “Sash” helped to strengthen the existing cordial relations between Venezuela and Guyana.  At the end of his assignment in 1996 “Sash” was honoured with the Order of Francisco de Miranda (First Class) one of Venezuela’s highest awards.

When “Sash” came back to Guyana in 1996, he was appointed to the position of Minister of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock, a post he served with great distinction.  Later, in 2003, Sash's responsibilities were expanded to include the wider Ministry of Agriculture which he held up to the time of his demise. 

Upon becoming a Government Minister, “Sash” quickly became one of the leading members of the Cabinet.

“Sash was a special person. People knew that he loved and cared greatly for them, especially our farmers. And this is why they identified with him. The great admiration and respect people of all persuasions, and even political convictions, still have for “Sash” is remarkable.

“Sash” was murdered by the agents of death and violence at the prime of his exemplary life.   There could be no justification for taking away a man with such promise for our nation. 

The late Minister of Agriculture and Member of Parliament continues to be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all the staff of the Ministry Agriculture and farmers across Guyana. And everyday we continue to be inspired by the service he gave the sector while at its helm.

Very shortly, the Ministry will be dedicating its new aquaculture hatchery at Mon Repos in Sash’s memory.

The Ministry calls on all Guyanese to remember this son of Guyana and in so doing, commit ourselves to reject the agents of criminal violence and their handlers as we seek to build a safe, united and productive Guyana.

To Mrs. Sawh, her sons and other relatives, the Ministry wishes to once again express our deepest sympathy and may we cherish the excellent service he gave to Guyana and the love he extended to his family and friends.  

We also extend deepest sympathy to the relatives of the late Minister’s two siblings and security guard who were slain.

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