Tributes poured in today for longstanding member of the People’s Progressive Party, former Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon.
Dr. Luncheon, who served every PPP government since 1992, died on August 2 after a period of illness. At the time of his passing, he was employed at the Office of the President as an advisor.
In an unprecedented move, Dr. Luncheon was accorded a military funeral by the Government of Guyana, with military pall-bearers and all of the other trimmings usually afforded to Presidents and senior military officials who die in office. Dr. Luncheon served previously served as Secretary to the Defence Board.
Draped with the national flag, the casket carrying the body of Dr. Luncheon left the Memorial Gardens Crematorium early this morning.
The procession then passed his childhood home, the Office of the President where he spent most of his professional life and later to his political home—Freedom House, which is the headquarters of the PPP, before it was taken to his former home in Kitty, then to the Arthur Chung Convention Centre for service.
His life and work were remembered as selfless.
Governance Minister Gail Teixeira said Dr. Luncheon’s life was totally dedicated to Guyana. She said his love for the people, the country and his party cannot be overstated.
“He did everything he could to advance democracy and constitutional rule and most of all, the advancement of the people of Guyana. Even when his body became too frail, he railed against his physical frailties and realities. He remain steadfast in the commitment to his party, the people of Guyana and their future,” Ms.Teixeira said.
Teixeira said Dr. Luncheon was also the anchor of successive PPP/Civic governments and she described him as the architect of modern-day governance.
Also paying tribute to Dr. Luncheon was the General Secretary of the PPP, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.
Mr. Jagdeo said Dr. Luncheon kept the PPP grounded when there was absolute chaos in the country. He said the PPP cannot replace Dr. Luncheon’s intellect, which was central to the growth and development of the PPP.
But much more than that, Mr. Jagdeo said there was absolute trust in Dr. Luncheon’s leadership.
“This country is richer, this country is wiser, this country is stronger because of Roger Luncheon and I am proud to say I learn from this gentleman who allow me to succeed when I was President,” Jagdeo said.
In his tribute, Mr. Jagdeo said he will defend the legacy of Dr. Roger Luncheon against those who try to taint the man—even as he is no more.
“Many people believe that when we write the Political history of this country, Luncheon should be the central figure to it, he should also be a central figure when we document the economic history,” Mr. Jagdeo said.
President Irfaan Ali described Dr. Luncheon as a humble man who was committed to the ideals of the PPP/C.
He referred to him as a “giant of man” and in his honor the President said the National Intelligence and Security Agency (N.I.S.A), building will be renamed to recognize him.
“The unquestionable influence and authority which Dr. Luncheon wielded as Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary did not cause him to be swell-headed, pompous or pretentious. He was just dedicated and honour the trust that was placed upon him,” the President said.
Acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken and Chief Of staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan offered tributes on behalf of the Security Forces.
And in his own style, Dr. Roger Luncheon left a recording of himself reading his own eulogy. In that eulogy, he reflected on his childhood, his studies abroad and his work for the country and in the medical field.
Away from his well-known political life, family members said he was the rock and the glue that kept their family together.
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