In the lush village of Whim, nestled in East Berbice-Corentyne, Guyana, a boy named Moses Veerasammy Nagamootoo was born on November 30, 1947. Little did the world know, this Tamil-Indian boy—whose parents were descendants of indentured immigrants from Madras—would one day rise to become the Prime Minister of Guyana and a voice for multicultural democracy.
The Moses Nagamootoo inspirational journey is more than just a tale of political success—it’s the story of a dreamer, educator, cultural ambassador, and relentless reformer who dedicated his life to lifting his country with words, wisdom, and willpower.
Moses Nagamootoo: Rooted in Culture, Raised on Purpose
Born to Gangama and Nagamootoo Ramaswamy, Moses grew up immersed in the rich cultural heritage of the Madrasi community—a minority among Indo-Guyanese. From an early age, the vibrancy of Kali-mai worship, traditional drumming, and distinct culinary practices shaped his soul, grounding him in a cultural identity he would carry proudly throughout his public life.
Even as a young student at Auchlyne Scots School and later Rose Hall & Comprehensive High School, Moses was keenly aware of the power of knowledge. He channelled that passion by co-founding the De Edwards/Rosignal High School in the late 1960s. As a teacher of Economics and British Constitution, his influence rippled far and wide—one of his former students would eventually become a Ph.D. economist teaching at the University of California, Berkeley.
The Journalist with a Cause
Before entering the halls of government, Moses Nagamootoo sharpened his pen as a journalist. From 1971 to 1992, he voiced the hopes, struggles, and dreams of Guyana through print. As the General Secretary of the Union of Guyanese Journalists and an executive in regional and international journalism organisations, he used the power of the media as a force for truth and transformation.
His commitment earned him the IOJ Scroll of Honour as an Outstanding Journalist in 1996 and recognition from both India and Vietnam for his community service and journalistic impact.
From Parliamentarian to Prime Minister
Politics called him early. At just 14, he joined Guyana’s independence struggle and, by 1964, became an active member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). In 1966, he founded the National Union of Students—proof of his lifelong desire to empower the youth and democratize opportunity.
In 1992, he was elected to Parliament and served under Presidents Cheddi Jagan, Samuel Hinds, Janet Jagan, and Bharrat Jagdeo. His cabinet roles were expansive: Minister of Information, Minister of Local Government, and Minister responsible for Amerindian Affairs. Yet, his journey was not without trials. In 2011, feeling the need for political reinvention, he boldly resigned from the PPP and joined the Alliance for Change (AFC).
In a historic political shift, the opposition coalition won the 2015 elections, and Moses Nagamootoo was sworn in as Prime Minister and First Vice-President under President David A. Granger. On June 12, 2015, he briefly assumed presidential duties, marking the pinnacle of a political journey rooted in decades of service.
The Writer Who Preserved a People’s Story
Moses Nagamootoo didn’t just live history—he wrote it. His novel, Hendree’s Cure, is a heartfelt tribute to the Tamil fishing community of Whim in the 1950s and 60s. It captures not only the unique traditions of his people but also the complexities of a multicultural nation in transition. It’s a reminder that the Moses Nagamootoo inspirational journey is also a cultural and literary legacy.
His earlier poetic contributions to the Progressive Youth Organisation’s “For the Fighting Front” were battle cries for justice and equality, echoing the convictions he held from youth.
A Lifetime of Service, A Legacy of Change
Nagamootoo’s journey also included legal education at the Hugh Wooding Law School, studies at the University of Guyana, the Accabre College of Social Sciences, the University of Kansas, and the Venezuelan Spanish Language Institute. A multilingual leader, he brought not just policy but also poetry and perspective into every role he held.
His awards include the PPP’s Certificate for Meritorious Service, the Vietnam GOPIO Community Service Award, and accolades from India—testaments to a life committed to serving not just Guyana but the global diaspora.
Moses Nagamootoo: Family, Faith, and Future
Behind the public figure is a man devoted to family. Married to Sita Nagamootoo, he is a proud father of four—Angela Vashmini, Sita Maria, Adela Gangama, and Moses Ernesto. His journey has always been anchored by love, guided by heritage, and driven by purpose.
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