GWP-C Loses a Founding Father

The Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) has lost one of its Founding Fathers, Navin Chanderpal who passed away yesterday ending a long battle with stomach cancer.

Navin Chanderpal was a distinguished Guyanese politician who at one time served his country as the Minister of Agriculture and up to his passing he was the Advisor to the President of Guyana on Sustainable Development.

He served his country well and made stellar contributions to the Caribbean region. To the  Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) Network he is regarded as one of the organisation’s pioneers being the first Chair of the organisation from its establishment in 2004 until 2006. 

Under his stewardship during that period the GWP-C grew extensively forming many partnerships in the region with other organisations that had an interest in water sustainability. Through his efforts and guidance GWP-C moved steadily into executing its mission to support Caribbean countries in the development and management of their water resources through the promotion of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in the Caribbean. His desire and optimistic legacy was for Guyana to enact new water legislation embodying IWRM.

Mr. Navin Chanderpal (left) is seen here with Professor Jacob Opadeyi, a Former GWP-C Chair (2nd from right), Ms. Judy Daniel, Chair of the GWP-C (3rd from left) and Mr. Christopher Corbin(right) of the Caribbean Environment Programme at a panel discussion hosted by the GWP-C on October 7th, 2013 in Barbados. Mr. Chanderpal had been invited by GWP-C as a panelist along with other key collaborating partners to get feedback on how the GWP-C can continue to strengthen its relationship with other agencies.

Following his term as the Chair of the GWP-C from 2004 to 2006, Navin Chanderpal remained committed to pushing the mission of the organisation; never failing to provide guidance and technical knowledge whenever needed in support of the vision for a water secure Caribbean.

According to Ms. Judy Daniel, Chair of the GWP-C “Navin was a true Caribbean man, ready to guide and support the advancement of all the region. To the end he was self-sacrificing and eager to serve with humility and the greatest commitment. We have lost a noble and visionary leader. I have lost a true friend and so long as I live I will do what I can to learn from him. ”

Mr. Navin Chanderpal (2nd from right) is seen here participating in a panel discussion hosted by the GWP-C on October 7th, 2013 in Barbados.

The GWP-C salutes a true leader and stalwart of the region but more over, one of its Founding Fathers. We extend our deepest sympathy and gratitude to his family for sharing this remarkable person with us.