TRIALS, TRIBULATIONS, AND TRAGEDY

 TRIALS, TRIBULATIONS AND TRAGEDY

Harry Bissoon 

We live in times of agony and pain! It surrounds us, creeping slowly, with tentacles of fear and death, intent on creating ripples that can unsettle us. Death encroaches around us, and we are bombarded with news and announcements of friends and family who have succumbed. 


Azeem Yakub, popularly known as 'Swiss', is the latest, in a series of deaths, attributed to our present scourge. 


I grew up with Azeem, and news of his death was profoundly felt. He was a quiet, easy going guy, who had a knack for business. His aka name, Swiss, was acquired through his expertise as a watch technician. He always told me,  and those of us from the neighborhood, that Swiss made watches were the best. This mantra stuck with him, and thus, the name Swiss.


He was courteous and friendly. When I worked with the Ministry of Education, and later with the Guyana Rice Board, he would always call out to me when I pass his shop, using endearing terms, such as, Sir, Teach, or, Boss.


Azeem later bought the building which was owned by Dr. Persaud of Springlands, next to his family home. He opened up a guest house, a liquor store, and became a whole sale distributor of beer, soft drinks, and liquor.


When I left Guyana for the States, I lost contact with Azeem, but would always visit him on my many trips to Guyana. I still remember his comment, "Harry, you come so often. It's like when you were living and working in Georgetown". (Capital of Guyana).


Azeem became involved with the business community of Corriverton, and I sure his contribution was greatly appreciated. 


I know Azeem's family well. I know uncle Yakub, his father, who ran a neighborhood shop. I know his brother, Dilip, who ran a taxi service. Dilip took me several times, back and forth, to Georgetown, when I studied and worked there.


When you lose someone, anyone, through death, especially under unexpected circumstances, it hurts, and leaves an emptiness

 

On behalf of my family, in Guyana and overseas, I want to convey sincere sympathies to Azeem's family. Travel on, my neighbor and friend. 

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