Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jun 18, 2014 Sports
He had been a boxing judge and many fighters would have had their hands raised in victory after gaining the nod after hard fought battles while others would have left the ring feeling disappointed after Garfield Clairmont DeSouza would have
ruled against them.
On July 8 last, Clairmont suffered a similar fate when the grim reaper administered the final count after he was floored by the dreaded lymphoma disease and yesterday afternoon, President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC), Peter Abdool, joined with several other executives of his organization, Trevor Arno, Francis Abraham, Andrew Thorne and Carlton Hopkinson along with family members of the deceased and bade a fond farewell to the boxing official who was later transported to his home village, Bachelor’s adventure, ECD where he was laid to rest.
Several of DeSouza’s colleagues, all boxing judges, Francis Abraham, Trevor Arno, Carlton Hopkinson and Andrew Thorne, were also present at the ceremony which was conducted by Reverend Michael Perreira.
Up to the time of his death, DeSouza served as the Treasurer of the GBBC and in his tribute, Abdool lauded his input saying that he could not have asked for a better finance official. Abdool chronicled DeSouza’s journey in the administrative structure of local professional boxing and said that the late Treasurer was committed to his task.
“When we launched the Guyana Fight Night initiative it was imperative that we attract committed people and Clairmonte filled the role and acquitted himself admirably,” said Mr. Abdool.
The GBBC President said that DeSouza has left a void that will be hard to fill. “You will be profoundly missed by the GBBC; travel well my friend; may God go with you!” concluded Abdool.
DeSouza was employed for the better part of 20 years at Banks DIH Ltd as the Trisco Warehouse Manager and his colleague, Trevor Nero, praised his diligence while pointing out that he was committed to his job. “It was also admirable that despite his commitment to his job, Clairmonte was also a staunch family man. Notwithstanding, he dedicated himself to his job at times to the extent of sacrificing quality time with his family,” said Nero.
DeSouza’s sister, Denise was filled with grief but still managed to eulogize her brother in glowing terms. She said that her brother lived a good life and has left many fond memories for his family to cherish. She noted that his wife, Margaret, has been a source of strength and remained committed to her brother’s care during his period of illness.
She said that despite her grief, she was comforted by the fact that her brother has served Christ during his earthly tenure and is gone to a better place. A stirring tribute was also delivered by a close friend, Arthur Taylor.
One of Desouza’s son, Gavin, read a scripture from the book of John while another, Garfield, eulogized his dad in glowing terms, at times amidst tears. He said that his dad has been his hero and has left an indelible mark in the lives of his children. He said that his dad loved sports to the extent that it was in his DNA. “This world is a better place because Clairmont Garfield DeSouza lived in it,” concluded Garfield.
Reverend Perreira also delivered a stirring sermon and underlined the goodness of DeSouza. He said that the fallen boxing official was indeed a staunch disciple of God and he (Perreira) was assured that DeSouza was going to a better place. He closed with a word to the congregation, “None of us can tell when that time will come but may it find you ready,” he advised.
The congregation also eulogized the fallen official with stirring hymns while Melissa Vandeyar and Kaycena Jardine paid tribute in songs. His daughter, Gailann also read from the scriptures. Clairmonte is survived by his wife, Margaret, three children, Garfield, Gail Ann and Gavin and one grandson.
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Apr 19, 2024
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