‘Roopchand was a patriot who served Guyana with distinction’ – says Opposition Leader Jagdeo in message of condolence

Former President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has hailed the late Clyde Roopchand as “a patriot” who served Guyana with “distinction”, whose commitment to National Development was unquestionable, and whose service to our people was “selfless and exemplary”.

Roopchand, a distinguished former Chief Planner at the Ministry of Finance, passed away in New York yesterday.

“It is with deep regret and sadness that I received the news of the passing of Clyde Roopchand. I have known Clyde for a long time dating back to my early days as an economist in the State Planning Secretariat. He served as Chief Planning Officer of Guyana and did so with distinction. His commitment to National Development was unquestionable and his service to our people was selfless and exemplary.

During the period I served as Minister of Finance and President he held numerous posts including Director of the CDB, alternate Governor of the CDB, Guyana’s representative to the Board of Governors meetings of the IDB and IMF, Chairman of the GRA Board among numerous other regional and international posts. His institutional knowledge and immense experience are a great loss to our country. He guided the process of preparing the Capital budget and Public Sector Investment Program.

His work in following up the implementation of numerous decisions  made on cabinet outreaches and the key role he played in the implementation of various development initiatives in the Regions brought him close to many people who live in those areas. Clyde Roopchand contributions to Guyana spanned many decades serving every government and President in our post independence history. He was an outstanding Public Servant.

The PPP is grateful for the service of this patriot to our Country.”