President’s Quarterly Progress Report: October − December 2007

Abstract

I begin by recording with deep regret the death of our Chair, Lewis Perinbam, on December 12. As Special Advisor to COL’s first two presidents, Dr James Maraj and Tan Sri Dato’ Professor Gajaraj Dhanarajan, from 1991, and as Chair of the Board of Governors since 2003, Lewis served COL with commitment, devotion and distinction for most of its existence. A tribute to Lewis is posted on COL’s website at www.col.org/lperinbam. COL’s Vancouver-based staff members were able to pay their respects at a memorial service on December 28 at which Denise Chong gave a most fitting eulogy. We have received a large number of letters and messages of condolence to the family and to COL. They express deep admiration and appreciation for Lewis’ contributions to public service and to international development as well as for his work at COL.