Source: Guyana Times
Date: 14th December 2011
The Moray House Trust set up in memory of the late David de Caires was declared open on Tuesday. It will be based at Moray House, the de Caires family home and one of the oldest houses in Georgetown. The Moray House is a traditional wooden “heritage” house located at 239 Camp and Quamina Streets.
Doreen de Caires at the launch read two pieces written by her husband, in which he recollected on the late Martin Carter and Ian McDonald. She reflected on his work, not only as a journalist, but his love for literature and poetry. De Caires’ daughter, Isabelle, in remarks at the launch, spoke about her father’s passion for literature.
Yesu Persaud, a trustee of the Moray Trust, thanked the de Caries for their move to open up their home to the public, to allow youth a greater chance of developing love for literature, arts, culture, and poetry. Persaud reflected on the work of David de Caires and his contributions to Guyana in many areas. Tribute was also paid to Carter during the opening ceremony.
Retired Major General Joe Singh also took the opportunity to launch his fifth book, “Growing Up in British Guiana: 1945-1964”. The book’s introduction was written by Dr Rupert Roopnaraine. Singh read several excerpts to give the gathering a taste of what they can expect from the book.
The new trust aims to work towards preserving and extending Guyana’s cultural heritage and to provide more opportunities for current and future generations to engage in such. The trust was also established to broaden local culture and enable youth to become innovators and champions of culture of all forms. Organised cultural events, public talks, debates, exhibitions, and workshops can be held at Moray House.
It was disclosed that although David de Caires was better known for his role in founding the Stabroek News in 1986, with the help of Ken Gordon, he also had a strong interest in literature, the arts, music, and sport. His family is, therefore, paying tribute to him by forming the trust.
David de Caires, who was born on December 31, 1937, was a Guyanese solicitor and later Editor-in-Chief of Stabroek News. He founded the Stabroek News because he wanted a paper that promoted an open society based on the rule of law, a free market economy and the holding of free and fair elections.
He suffered a heart attack on August 14, 2008 and underwent medical treatment in Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago. He was later transported to a hospital in Barbados where he died on the morning of November 1, 2008. He is survived by his widow Doreen, son Brendan, and daughter Isabelle.