Rev Singh rose from humble beginnings to build an illustrious public service career

It is with sorrow I learn of the passing (on Sunday) of Rev Seopaul Singh. He was not keeping well over the last several years. He was one of Guyanese’s finest sons who had a remarkable career in public service, giving 25 years to Ministries of Works, Mines, Housing, and Energy from 1966 thru 1991. His death prompted a flood of tributes from friends and peers who praised his contributions to the Guyanese community in Queens and his participation at several diaspora events. From a most humble beginning born in a rural village, Seopaul built an illustrious public service career. He also served in other diverse fields, from social work to religion to journalism at one time serving as Assistant Editor of Guyana Journal. Seopaul or Rev, as we called him, was a teacher, intellectual, activist, trainer of staff, preacher, and commentator who published on several issues relating to Guyana including on race relations, including the race riots in WismarMackenzie.

Seopaul was a victim of the racial violence in Mahaicony where he was born and where he and his parents lived before squatting and settling down in Better Hope. Friends told me that Seopaul was an outstanding civil servant and administrator. He served Guyana’s government with dignity and distinction. He was also commended for his service in New York working for Morgan and Stanley, the Wall Street investment firm. A converted Christian and a trained pastor in NY, he attended events of all religious communities. Seopaul began teaching at Annandale Primary School from 1964 to 1966. Seopaul joined the Public Service in November 1966, posted to Supply Division in the Ministry of Works and Housing where he worked for twenty-two years. He was then transferred to Ministry of Mines and Energy. Seopaul migrated to America in 1991, first to Florida then to New York. He was employed by Morgan Stanley for 18 years.