Latest update April 26th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jun 06, 2014 Letters
Dear Editor,
I would like to acknowledge my debt to an extraordinary woman. Her name is Ms. Maggie Da Silva, a former C.E.O of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry. A woman of par excellence; she was the spark of my intellect, the fire in my soul; she humbled me as she had a golden heart. She challenged the male monopoly in the banking and business sectors during the dismal age of Guyana. She offered me material possessions beyond my imagination; this is how the story began.
In the late eighties, I had a small business in the Stabroek Market and was desirous of expanding, as Hon. Desmond Hoyte was creating avenues for free enterprising; but I need funding for my business plans. Without any referrals, I approached Ms. Da Silva at her office which was then located at Lot 47-48 Water Street, Georgetown, Guyana, for a loan from the bank. She politely welcomed me into her office and the interview began. After a long and intensive questioning period she said, “Mr. Mohamed, I am sorry, but I cannot give you this loan, you don’t satisfy the requirements”. A defeated man, I thanked her for her time and made my way to the door. As I was about to exit her office, I heard the most beautiful feminine voice said, “Come Mr. Mohamed, be seated”. For a brief moment I thought I was dreaming or it was a call from a supernatural being, but reality struck me hard as her words still resonate in my soul until today.
Ms. Da Silva broke the conventional rules of banking to facilitate my request. For another extensive period she lectured and advised me in the sternest manner and then words of encouragement came. She said “Mr. Mohamed, I see in you integrity and for that reason I am approving the loan”. Those golden words were said to a young, poorly attired East Indian businessman. From that day onwards I never disappointed her. She kept me under her wings and as my prosperity grew, her advice became sterner and our business and friendly relationship grew stronger.
Ms. Maggie had a special ability to make anyone feel important and special. She invited me to the Lusignan Gulf Club to try my hands at the sport. She was a good golfer, an excellent communicator and she had a passion for helping the ordinary people.
Yesterday, I spoke with a female manager of a popular city bank who shared similar thought and her experiences about Ms. Maggie Da Silva. It was an experience that sent chills through my body. She said, “Maggie would fight for workers rights with all her strength until her beautiful white face became red”. Ms. Maggie Da Silva never lost a battle; the directors of the banks would become weary of her relentless pursuits. In the highest of forum she would ‘Big up’ the ordinary staff members like the ones who participated in activities that made the environment clean and tidy.
Words fail me as adjectives are limited to correctly describe Ms. Maggie Da Silva, but permit me, I will still try. She was full of grace.
Grace is the life of talents
Grace is the breath of speech
Grace is the soul of action
And grace is the ornament of ornaments
Perfection is the adornments of our nature
But grace is the adornment of perfection itself.
Without grace beauty is lifeless
It surpasses valour, discretion, prudence, even majesty itself.
That was Ms. Maggie Da Silva; pure amazing grace. It’s a pity that a fantastic, astonishing woman like Ms. Maggie Da Silva is only born once in a generation.
When corporate Guyana and the feminist movement will write their annals of history; Ms. Maggie Da Silva will be on top of the list of the most influential women of all times. She stood tall like a palm tree and never swayed by the wind.
The joy of having known her trumps all the other temporary pleasures I have ever had. I cannot bear the thought that if I were to subtract her out of my history, what my life would be like. Throughout our sojourn on earth one person can touch our lives and we become better, so much better.
Peace to the greatest C.E.O of the twenty first century as she has returned to the divine author; peace to a stern advisor, peace to a generous giver and peace to a friend.
With utmost respect and deep sympathy.
Nazar Mohamed
Jagdeo giving Exxon 102 cent to collect 2 cent.
Apr 26, 2024
– PC and Dolphin to battle for 3rd place spot Kaieteur Sports – Chase’s Academic Foundation and Waramuri Primary Top secured their spots in the 2024 Petra/Milo Schools Under-18 football...Kaieteur News – Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, persists in offering... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]