Naz Ahamad laid to rest

HUNDREDS of mourners, including politicians, relatives, friends, work colleagues and fellow businessmen, filled the Naparima Bowl in San Fernando yesterday to say their final farewell and pay tribute at the funeral service of business giant Nazir Ahamad, 69, who died last week in Miami. Among those from Government who attended the funeral for Ahamad, who was chairman of Southern Sales and Services Ltd, were Prime Minister Patrick Manning, Education Minister Hazel Manning, Senate President Dr Linda Baboolal, Tourism Minister Howard Chin Lee, Health Minister John Rahael, Community Development Minister Joan Yuille-Williams, Housing Minister Dr Keith Rowley, Minister of Legal and Consumer Affairs Danny Montano and Junior Finance Minister Christine Sahadeo.

San Fernando West MP Diane Seukeran, Opposition UNC MP for Fyzabad Chandresh Sharma and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Patrick Edwards, also attended. Ahamad’s coffin was not open for viewing, but a photo of him was placed on top of the casket alongside a huge wreath of white and red roses. During the Euology, read by Ahamad’s son Imtiaz, the businessman was described as not only an astute entrepreneur but also an exemplar, mentor, friend, beloved brother and loving and caring husband to wife Zahida. He was also described as an adoring father and grandfather. Imtiaz reflected on the most significant impact he said his father left on him — the lesson of the strong bond of the family.

During the Eulogy, Imtiaz struggled to hold back tears as he paid glowing tribute to his father. “Many of you may remember our father as a prominent businessman who often appeared intimidating, but you will be surprised how he was a gentle giant around his grandchildren. He was without a doubt a family man filled with humility and humbleness,” Imtiaz said. He said that when his father was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, he faced what was the greatest challenge of his life with gusto and determination. “A challenge which he took up seriously, he fought right to the very end, and fought a good fight.”

Imtiaz said he and his two brothers had no regrets concerning their father’s death because all was done to fight the cancer and, towards the end, the three made a promise to accompany their father on his trips for medical attention, no matter what sacrifices had to be made including leaving loved ones behind. Ahamad, who left his mark on the local business landscape through the creation of Southern Sales, was also a local horse racing aficionado and chairman of several large conglomerates including Guardian Holdings Ltd, Neal and Massy Holdings and Caribbean Finance Ltd. He died in Miami last Friday. After the funeral service, which was held under Islamic rites, Ahamad was buried at Paradise Cemetery in San Fernando.