President Dr Irfaan Ali today paid tribute to the late Satyadeow Sawh during a commemorative Hawan and memorial service held at the Guyana Central Arya Samaj.

In his remarks, the President reflected on Sawh’s remarkable life—one defined by service, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of tragedy.

Satyadeow Sawh was gunned down at his home in April 2006. Also killed in the attack were Pulmatie Persaud, brother Rajpat Sawh, and security guard Curtis Robertson. Twenty years on, Satyadeow Sawh is being remembered for his contributions to national development. 

President Dr. Irfan Ali joined members of the Sawh family, former President Donald Ramadhar and several PPP stalwarts at the memorial, describing Sawh’s journey as decorated with service, celebrated by life, paused by human cruelty. The President said his legacy continues through family, tradition and strong institutions. 

“And all those who continue in loyalty to what he stood for, in loyalty for the institutions he represented, whether it’s the Arya Samaj or the People’s Progressive Party or the ACG, all those who stand in loyalty to those organisations, the principles of those organisations, the traditions and values of these organisations, you are ensuring that his life continues in this rebooted form,” he said.

The head of state emphasised the importance of investing in both religious and political institutions as a way of honoring Sawh’s life and work, while urging citizens to continue strengthening the organisations he served.

He also praised the Sawh family, noting that their unity and values stand as a living testament to his enduring influence. 

“The way they carry power, the strength of character, the principles, the values and the continuation of the legacy of serving the institutions that shaped his life speaks about an extraordinary family shaped by common values, common beliefs and common principles. And today we ought to applaud this family because this is the foundation,” he added.

President Ali urged the nation to remember the sacrifices made and to uphold the principles that define Saw’s life.