Tearful Dookeran says final farewell to brother

AS HE gets ready to enter a new chapter in his political career, St Augustine Member of Parliament Winston Dookeran, yesterday buried the “driving force” in his politics, his youngest brother Harold. Dookeran was last week nominated unopposed for the post of political leader of the United National Congress’ (UNC) October 2 executive elections. However, notably absent from the funeral service at Watt Street in Curepe were his UNC colleagues in Parliament. Dookeran’s nomination was signed by UNC leader Basdeo Panday, who was also nominated unopposed as party chairman. Others on the Dookeran /Panday slate are Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Wade Mark, Robin Montano and Dr Tim Goopiesingh.

Dookeran who delivered one of three eulogies at yesterday’s funeral, told the hundreds who gathered to pay their respects, including former UNC MP’s Carlos John and Rupert Griffith, that Harold’s death was a moment of darkness in the family’s life. He said Harold was a teacher to his siblings and “taught us more about the purpose of life and how to live it, than us older ones.” His voice cracking with emotion, as he struggled to stem the flow of tears, Dookeran said his brother played a vital role in their lives. “He was a noble, sincere brother and a genuine friend. He was my inner strength and driving force in my politics, and I say thank you.”

Dookeran said the loss will be forever felt deeply inside them all, as he described Harold as “our legacy, our inspiration.” He added that Harold was a great fighter for the removal of injustices, who was never afraid of his opponent, “ but I feared for him sometimes.” He recalled that Harold was born three months after their father died, and his childhood was challenged as he searched for a father figure. But Dookeran said Harold found such a person in their grandfather, Ramnarine Moonan and their eldest brother. He said Harold was an expression of selfless service, with no heritage, but one who built his life with sheer hope, in spite of financial challenges.

Harold’s eldest son Anil, remembered his father’s beginnings as a former student of the Rio Claro Hindu School and Naparima College, San Fernando. Anil, unable to hold back his tears, said his father’s passing last Monday in Miami, leaves a void “in the hearts of those whose lives he touched,” because of his generosity, sense of humour and love of a good lime. The final rites at the funeral were performed by Pundit Satayanand Maharaj. Harold leaves to mourn his wife Maralyne and children Nameeta, Anil, Suresh and Rhea.