My encounters with the late Majeed Hussein
DEAR EDITOR,
The late PPP activist Majeed Hussein and I were not friends. But I had several useful meetings with him on the streets, during the campaign in recent elections, and in visits at Freedom House to gather data for my research. It was very simple. I saw that he was a gentleman.
I happened to be in Guyana to do an opinion poll and used my presence in the country to go to Majeed’s funeral. Everyone I met praised his role in the PPP and in helping people. He was a people person. Everyone praised his activism and honesty. His kindness and volunteering would be lost.
Majeed was extremely resourceful. He was also a committed activist and loyalist to his party. He played a vital role in protecting the containers that held the ballot boxes during the five-month suffering to get the right count as the incumbent tried to steal the March 2 election.
Although I saw Majeed at Freedom House over the last few years during visits, we never chatted there, and I didn’t know who he was in terms of job or office title. I visited Freedom House to meet long-time friends I knew from my decades of struggle for the restoration of democracy in Guyana. I’d see Majeed there with no interaction – just her or hello. We didn’t know each other by name. I never told him who I was. He must have found out who I was from colleagues.
One day, some years ago, I visited a parlor on Robb Street to buy a soft drink. I chatted with the owner on the politics of the country as I usually did with people all over the country during my innumerable survey visits. Majeed came to the store minutes after to buy an energy drink. He and the owner had a chat and I was introduced. I said I saw him around Freedom House and on campaigning and doing party work. But I never knew his name or his role in the PPP. Surprisingly, Majeed announced that he knew me through my polls and writings. I don’t usually tell people who I am because I’m bashful in that regard; others would introduce me. Before the owner could introduce me, Majeed noted: “I know Mr Bisram. And I know about his work. I look forward to his polls and read his numerous letters in the press. I don’t always agree with his views but I admire his bravery ”.
Majeed showed accolades on my vote and activism to help defend democracy and free and fair elections in Guyana. We would have several short meetings afterwards talking politics. He was always busy running errands or engaging in some sort of activity for his party or public benefit.
After leaving the shop, the owner praised his earthly character and demeanor. I learn about his generosity and kindness and about his activities to help the depressed and the poor. I learned that he would seek help to help others, not himself. In fact, he neglected his own health to care for others. It would help people repair or build their homes.
A few days before the last elections, we talked about the expected outcome. He was very passionate about his party. He was confident that PPP would win a landslide, no less than 55 percent. He asked for my opinion. I responded that PPP would get about 52 percent. He said I would be proven wrong. The PPP actually got 51 percent.
Our meetings would be lost and I’m sure his party would lose its activism.
Truly,
Bisram Vishnu