(www.biznow.gy) Tributes continue to pour in for the late Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Ronald Webster, who died early on Sunday morning at the Balwant Singh Hospital.

In a message on Sunday evening, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud said the untimely passing of Webster is an irreplaceable loss to the Natural Resources and the Environment Sector, PSC, and to the nation. “We have lost a cherished colleague, a friend for all seasons, a Guyanese patriot of rare quality. To his family, friends and colleagues, the MoNRE extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy,” Persaud said.

Webster was a Director on the Board of the Aroaima Mining Company from 2004 and served as Chairman of both the Board of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission from 2005 to 2010 and the Environmental Protection Agency.  “With his unflagging commitments to the natural resources sector, Mr. Webster will truly be missed for his leadership in championing various policy initiatives, inclusive of interventions to reduce the use of non-biodegradable packaging materials in Guyana and more recently, a series of tax reform measures,” the Minister stated.

Describing Webster as a patriot, Persaud said, “Mr. Webster served Guyana with great distinction. Our lives have been enriched as a result of the tireless pursuit, wealth of experience and unwavering commitment of Ronald Webster through the various organizations of which he was a leader.  The MoNRE salutes Mr. Webster and mourns his passing.”

Minister Persaud’s remarks follow that of Guyana’s President, Donald Ramotar, who said on Sunday he was shocked and deeply saddened at the news of Webster’s passing.

President shocked at Webster’s passing

Several members of the PSC’s executive body have also expressed surprise and sadness at the Chairman’s demise. Ramesh Dookhoo and Captain Gerry Gouveia who have both served in the position of Chairman said the loss to the commission and country as a whole was significant. Dookhoo pointed out that it was unfortunate that the Webster did not live to see some of the initiatives he strongly advocated for materialize but was confident his work would be carried on.