Devout public servant, son of the soil Guyana mourns passing of political stalwart, Dr. Roger Luncheon

VETERAN People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Executive Member and former Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, on Wednesday, passed away.

He was 74 years old and served as a presidential adviser.

In a statement, President

Dr. Irfaan Ali recalled Luncheon’s tremendous contributions to Guyana’s political landscape.

“This exceptional patriot and national icon was fearless and selfless in his complete commitment to national development and defence of a free and democratic Guyana. It is a painful and deep-wounded loss for the Government and Party,” the President wrote on his Facebook page.

The Head of State re - called the unwavering support and guidance he received from the stalwart.

“He offered me unflinching support throughout my political career, both within the PPP and in public life. This man has shaped me in many ways and placed tremendous trust and confidence in me.”

Dr. Ali added, “Onward fearless warrior and pure nationalist, your work is done but, the product of your labour will live on forever.”

Dr. Luncheon served in many capacities, including as Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary for more than two decades dating back to 1992. He served five Presidents of Guyana. He was a member of the Cabinet and the party’s Central and Executive Com-

THE United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is partnering with the Guyana Ministry of Health to support Guyana’s public health infrastructure.

USAID’s Country Health Information Systems and Data Use (CHISU) Programme, a flagship data and information system project of USAID’s Bureau for Global Health, is providing two global public health technical consultants to Guyana’s Ministry of Health for a one-year period.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Guyana, these advisers will be focusing on two key areas- addressing COVID-19 data management issues and enhancing the public health supply chain management system.

Mr. Emeka Ogbolu, a seasoned public health supply chain expert, is collaborating with the Ministry's Materials Management Unit to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of the public health supply chain management system.

In particular, Mr. Ogbolu is coordinating with the Unit’s Director in strengthening the operations and logistics of the central and regional warehouses. With extensive experience in supply chain logistics and management, Mr. Ogbolu is dedicated to supporting the Ministry's vision for 2030 and aligning efforts to achieve public health objectives.

Mr. Yazabantu Soldati, a Health Information Systems Advisor from South Africa, is leading efforts to identify and implement solutions related to the collection, storage, and utilisation of COVID-19 data. With more than 15 years of experience in information systems and data analytics, Mr. Soldati brings a wealth of expertise to support monitoring and evaluation and operations research of health programmes.

Expressing support for this initiative, U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch said, “Through this strategic partnership, the United States Government, through USAID, is bolstering Guyana's capacity to combat COVID-19 and optimise public health supply chain management, contributing to the country's overall health resilience and progress toward a healthier future. We remain a committed and resolute partner with the Government and people of Guyana.” mittees up until his passing. He also contributed immensely during the struggle against People’s National Congress (PNC) dictatorship.

Meanwhile, Vice President and PPP’s General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, extended condolences on behalf of himself and the party to the family, friends and colleagues of Dr Luncheon.

“A true son of the soil who helped to shape the lives of many. Dr. Luncheon left a rich legacy of true commitment to service, patriotism, and a deep sense of national pride and hard work for the people of Guyana”, Jagdeo said.

Condolences were also offered by Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall.

“His capacity, tenacity and appetite for selfless public service in successive PPP/C Governments from 1992 to present is simply without compare. Intense bouts of illness failed to faze him. He remained a member of our Cabinet to the very end,” the AG wrote.