The Guyanese political landscape is in mourning following the passing of Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, a revered politician and intellectual, who died at Georgetown Hospital on Monday morning after a prolonged illness. He was 83 years old.
Dr. Roopnaraine’s legacy is profoundly marked by his pivotal role in bridging deep political divides. As a co-leader of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), he was instrumental in healing decades of animosity with the People’s National Congress (PNC). His efforts were central to the formation of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition in 2011, a strategic alliance forged alongside WPA’s Dr. Clive Thomas and PNC-Reform’s Robert Corbin. Following the coalition’s electoral victory in 2015, Dr. Roopnaraine served as Minister of Education.
Colleagues and political adversaries alike celebrated his unique capacity for reconciliation. WPA co-leader Dr. David Hinds highlighted Dr. Roopnaraine’s relentless pursuit of peace, describing APNU as ‘Rupert’s baby’ and crediting him as the leading force behind the WPA’s decision to reconcile with its historical rivals for the national interest. This was a significant move, given the WPA had long blamed the PNC for the 1980 assassination of its leader, Walter Rodney.
APNU Chairman Aubrey Norton praised Dr. Roopnaraine’s application of the WPA’s principle of co-leadership in cross-party relations, noting his exceptional ability to accommodate diverse viewpoints. Norton stated that the society had lost ‘one of the best patriots we have ever had,’ a sentiment that underscores the profound respect he commanded across the political spectrum.
Beyond his political acumen, Dr. Roopnaraine was hailed as one of Guyana’s most brilliant orators. He notably transcended the country’s ethnic divisions; an Indo-Guyanese who connected deeply with Afro-Guyanese communities. Long-serving PPP executive Clement Rohee remembered him and Dr. Rodney for ushering in a new political era, attracting massive crowds with erudite speeches that blended literary brilliance with sharp political analysis. His parliamentary contributions were similarly impactful, captivating colleagues with his intellectually rich discourse.
Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine’s multifaceted life also encompassed achievements as a filmmaker, author, and cricketer, cementing his status as a true Renaissance man of Guyanese public life.