GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) –Guyana’s former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Doodnauth Singh died in hospital on Wednesday.

Singh, a well-respected criminal lawyer in Guyana and the Caribbean also served as a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, presiding over the controversial 1997 General Elections.

Singh who served as Attorney General between 2001 and 2009, resigned from that position in 2009, and one month later sued the Government for his gratuity.

Current Attorney General, Anil Nandlall said the passing of Singh who was one of the best advocate he ever encountered, is a severe blow to Guyana and to the legal profession.

“He has participated in some of the biggest cases in Guyana. He was also part of the legal team in the trial of murder of Maurice Bishop (former Prime of Grenada) and in the trial of the Trinidad coup. He was well recognised in the Region.”

Nandlall described Singh as a mentor with whom he started his legal work at the AG office. “I would be eternally grateful to him for what I have learnt.”

Doodnauth Singh was 80 years old.