News

The terrestrial way is short but the memory lasts forever ...

17.10.2018

40 days have passed from the day of the tragic death of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia, former President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Abkhazia Gennady Gaguliya.

One can write not a single book about his life -it was interesting and filled with various kinds of events. Therefore, memories of people of different professions and ages who communicated with Gennady Gaguliya are extremely important in order to preserve the memory of him ...

Maya Adzhba, Head of the Expertise and Evaluation Department: Gennady L.Gaguliya was, above all, a leader! Leadership, in my opinion, is not possible without high emotional intelligence. And this is the personal quality of Gennady Gaguliya, which is necessary for all senior executives, and also to assemble the staff of the chamber into a single team that respected him not only because of his position or authority, but as a human being!

One cannot become a leader in three days. This is a long process of conscious and constant work on yourself.

Gennady Gaguliya had the ability to think strategically and globally and the ability to convince anyone- a variety of audiences, it is not an easy task, and it takes a lot of mental flexibility. And could easily manage it.

Under the leadership of Gennady L. Gaguliya the chamber had been developing fast and mastered new grounds. In his work, he was guided by development of the chamber, and not by his own interests.

Once I said at the meeting “Mr. Gaguliya, you demand from us high standards of work.” And he liked it!

Gennady Gaguliya was able to live every moment to the end! May he rest in peace! Eternal memory!

Kira Zekir-ogli, Head of the Department for Work with Members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Abkhazia, Enterprises and Public Associations: It was a unique, outstanding, efficient, very intelligent, civilized and noble person. His ideas were always progressive, he was always able to keep pace with the changing times. It perfectly combined the tradition of educated Abkhaz and modern realities.

One can dwell in endless debates about Gennady Gaguliya, a person who possesses the innate qualities of a leader. He led our team competently, strictly, but at the same time, with kindness and respect.

And it was his natural ability to capture the trends of time, the desire to improve, to advance, all this allowed him to create a young, educated and cohesive team of the Chamber of Commerce of Abkhazia.

For me personally, and for all the staff of the chamber, he was not just a chief, he was an example, we could always learn a lot from him, receive invaluable practical, which could always be applied in life.

He always inspired great respect and admiration by his strong, strict, strong and, at the same time, good nature.

He was a legendary man commemoration of whom will remain forever in my heart.

Kama Tsvizhba, Head of External Relations and Investments Department: I am  tremendously proud that I had the opportunity to work under the leadership of Gennady L. Gaguliya, a substantial person, distinguished by his genuine love, sincere respect and public activity towards his homeland, to which he devoted his entire a life!

Gennady L. Gaguliya created and rallied a large team of the Chamber of Commerce, educated in each of us the discipline and responsibility, the ability to defend our position, not to give up in any situation and be useful to our country!

I will remember his enormous inner strength, the highest skills and charisma, spiritual generosity and high life position! He was a man with enviable energy, always able to motivate and direct you in the right direction.  He was characterized by non-standard thinking and principled position, never remained indifferent to the fate of each employee, shared his experience and wisdom.

Gennady Gaguliya had an incredible ability to instantly make the only right decision out of a thousand options, a decision that will further lead to success of any business he or we have begun.

We should all be grateful to Gennady Gaguliya for his personal and invaluable contribution to promoting the interests of our republic abroad, for his daily and hard work, so that the country could present itself with dignity.

In my memory, Gennady Gaguliya will forever remain as a fighter for justice, a responsible, initiative, strict mentor, a wise and sensitive leader.

I bow my head for numerous good deeds, for his faith in youth and humanity!

A man lives as long as his memory is kept ... The memory of Gennady Gaguliya will be in my heart forever.

Diana Nachkebia: Gennady Gaguliya was a vivid example of a talented leader, mentor and leader.

Working under his leadership was incredibly interesting; it was an inexhaustible source of energy and ambitious ideas.

For each of us, he was a friend, a mentor, a chef, and a father. We can talk about him for a long time: he was wise and simple, demanding and patient, kind and at the same time strict.

Gennady Gaguliya will forever remain in our memory as sensitive and hardworking person.

Naala Basaria, specialist of the External Relations and Investments Department: Gennady Gaguliya played an invaluable role in life of each of us. He was not just a leader for us, he was a teacher, a mentor, a beacon.

He was a substantial person with huge, pure soul. He gave each of us a piece of his heart, his knowledge, his potential; he was generously supporting those who needed his help, advice. A legendary man, he was a leader, he had the ability to think strategically and on a large scale, he knew how to build relationships and create a team. We learned to be patient and disciplined with him, he taught us to love our work, not being afraid to take risks and achieve goals despite any difficulties, obstacles, implement plans, and everything for the benefit of our Motherland.

He constantly told us that each of us is a part of the state, the people, and each of us at this level creates this statehood.

It was a man whose example I always wanted to follow, next to whom I always wanted to be better, a man who taught me to be mobilized , who encouraged initiatives and always guided us in the right direction. He never suppressed the freedom of the individual and created the conditions for its realization, confidently directing to the result.

We were lucky to meet such a great person on our life journey, work together, learn from experience. We always hurried to work as a holiday, we never had a routine, he was a generator of ideas, he always had a progressive, creative view of things.

He’s left us, but left the most valuable; an unforgettable mark in the history of Abkhazia, as well as its followers and students, the traditions he established will be brought to the future.

No matter what I do, I always want to look back and think: what would Gennady Gaguliyasay, would he approve such a decision? Would he do that? Because he has always been focused on quality and we always determine quality as the main guideline in our work. And we will continue working and living with regard to the given experience he shared with us.

Teona Eteria, specialist of the Information Technology, advertising and exhibition activities Department: It was a smiling, friendly person. Gennady Gaguliya always generated positive energy, it was impossible not to listen to his suggestions and wishes. He knew how to convey his ideas to the staff and correctly indicate how to complete the task.

For me, the Chamber of Commerce is a ship, and Gennady Gaguliya was it’s captain, who with a firm hand led his ship along the planned path.

We feel his absence and the whole team misses him. Not a single day passes without remembering him or talking about him.

For me personally, he was not only a leader, but also a wonderful person.

***

Igor Koshin: Deputy Minister for North Caucasus Affairs: To say that we were very upset when we heard the news of Gennady Gaguliya’s death is to say nothing. Moreover, although I was at the funeral, I still cannot believe it.

Unfortunately, we worked very little with him - a short period, but he made an indelible impression on me. We had a large number of working meetings and official events, and I was always amazed at his ability to find a very simple solution from a very difficult situation at some point. He had a huge experience and outlook.

With all this, I would like to note that he was a deeply decent and real human being - this is the most important for me.

When people communicate, it is very important that you are not just listened, but heard.It was very pleasant to argue with him reasonably and substantively and find solutions.

I am extremely sorry that he died!

Tata Dzhodzhua, Head of Department of State Protocol of the Republic of Abkhazia: Dear Mr. Gaguliya! I appeal to you as if you were alive, because I did not have time to tell you this in my lifetime. It is very difficult for me to choose words, because it is impossible to express the inexpressible.

Every day I think about how unfair life is, how suddenly you left it and how sad it is to realize it.

I had the great honor to meet and work under your leadership. In such a short period, I received a huge amount of invaluable skills and knowledge that I had not received for several years in other places of work.

How interesting it was to work with you! You did not notice the time, working from early morning until late evening. And for me the working day flew like an instant. I was very surprised by your tremendous performance.

You were a unique leader - demanding, but at the same time very warm; strict, but with a subtle humor and jokes.

You have left an indelible mark on my soul. I remember you every day, looking at your photo, at the end of each working day I ask the question: “How would you rate my work today?”

Looking at you, I wanted to be more disciplined, responsible, striving to complete the tasks. I wanted to at least comply with you, to do everything so as not to let such a manager down. I wanted to hear from you words of approval.

I will always be grateful to you for what you have done for me - believed and trusted to work with you.

I feel endlessly sorry for all of us, too, because we were left without an outstanding statesman, a unique person.

Duke de La Rochefoucauld said that "Memory is the only paradise from which we cannot be driven out."

I promise that in my memory you will remain forever, dear Gennady Gaguliya ...

Natalya Shulgina, correspondent of the news agency "Abkhazia-Inform": It often happens: you communicate with a person for a long time, work with him, make friends with him and take it for granted ... And only having lost him, you understand that you’ve lost a real friend...

I had to communicate with him in different situations.

Responsibility, dedication helped Gennady Gaguliya grow from a simple civil servant into a high-ranking leader. He was noticed, appreciated ... A well-read, politically prepared, possessing organizational skills, he was friendly with everyone, easily found a common language, he knew how to listen. Thinking, deeply thinking, Gennady Gaguliya skillfully planning, clearly set the tasks and persistently achieved results. He was always the best and enjoyed a well-deserved authority.

But this is only one side of this amazing man ...

I learned other qualities of Gennady Gaguliya, working with him for many years from the very beginning of our meeting, in different life situations, talking on the phone,

One of his best traits was the ability to enter into the position of others, to understand and take to heart their grief and joy. You could come to him with any problems, ask for advice, and he found warm words for everyone, loved to make unexpected gifts, was kind and generous. And he was always there to help, without waiting for someone's requests. So it was with me when I lost my job.

He often made fun of me and teased me bitterly. I still remember our joint trips to international exhibitions ... By the end of the day we were tired but he continued to meet people, keep an eye on everything, and then he also found time to pull us out for an evening walk to see local sights.

Leaving for Syria, he said - see you soon ... He was not going to say goodbye, but life decided otherwise ...

I terribly regret today that I did not tell him what a wonderful person he was ...

He lived an interesting and eventful life ... A strong, good person. Everyone who knew him was grieving now, because such a tragedy cannot leave anyone indifferent. He left leaving us in sorrow and confusion. We cry for him, he left us so suddenly and unfairly. We are afraid of the emptiness, which no one else can fill now.

They say that a friend does not die, he simply ceases to be near. Friends leave, untimely, inappropriately, forever ...

The terrestrial way is short but the memory lasts forever ... We will always remember Gennady Gaguliya with warmth and gratitude. After all, as long as we remember, he will always be there.

***

A. Dopua, Head of Finance Department of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Abkhazia: The one who is able to cut a diamond in word and deed, turning a person into a multifaceted priceless diamond.

I know for sure that it is an honor to have the right to speak about G. L. Gaguliya.

Tamila Mertskhulava, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Abkhazia: It is very difficult to talk about Gennady Gaguliya using the past tense, with heartache and tears in his eyes. I remember him every day, referring to him in my mond in work affairs, deeds, I often repeat his words and phrases that have become a cruise to me. Sometimes I talk to him and wait for his advice.

I remember well the day when I came for an interview, which lasted 10-15 minutes, to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and met Gennady Gaguliya for the first time, remember delight, inexpressible feelings, emotions since the first minutes of acquaintance with him. And since then, respect and love for the leader - a professional in his field, has settled forever in my heart.

Having started my career with a specialist of the I category of the department of external relations and investments, I, on behalf of Gennady Gaguliya, performed various tasks, and sometimes not related to my official duties. At first, it seemed that these instructions were not feasible - I simply did not know how to start, how to negotiate ... But thanks to the ability of Gennady Gaguliya to support, give wise and correct advice, and most importantly, I was able to fulfill all my tasks. Over the time, the ability to cope with the tasks came, independently and this caused approval and praise from Gennady Gaguliya.

And this is how my career began: from a category I specialist - a chief specialist - a deputy head of the department - an adviser to the president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry - a vice president to the President of the chamber.

The Chamber of Commerce is not just an organization that Gennady Gaguliya created and managed for many years, but a whole life institute where we were taught not only how to work, but also how to behave. I learned a lot from him: discipline and patience, love for the Motherland and devotion to my work, the ability to take risks in order to achieve the desired result.

He played an invaluable role in my development and many of my colleagues, and other excellent specialists, who began their careers under the guidance of Gennady Gaguliya. The Chamber has become an institute named after G.L. Gaguliya to train professionals in their field.

It was not just an excellent manager, a professional, a generator of ideas. He, despite being busy, paid attention to everyone who came to him. Sometimes it was difficult to reach him on work issues, because the waiting room always lined up among employees and people who came to the chamber and could stay with him for hours. At the same time, he personally escorted everyone to the door with a smile on his face and a kind look.

Sometimes I was even indignant: “why so long?!” and somehow asked him a question: “Mr. Gaguliya, aren’t you tired of visitors?” He replied with a smile on his face “no,” and then, apparently seeing my surprised look, he continued: “no matter who came and which request they need, the main thing in this situation is to listen to the person and give him a good advice.” All this says that he had a good heart and soul.

I together with my colleagues will remember April 24 forever when the whole team came to his office to wish him success in his work as a Prime Minister of the country.

We understood that the offer to occupy this position for the third time indicates that his authority and professionalism come to the fore, and people are waiting for changes from him ... But the team standsand cries, and does not want to let him go. What kind of authority and respect should one have in order for the team to stand, cry, and wait for return of their beloved leader?

The people who worked with him side by side highly appreciated his erudition, diplomatic talent and exceptional performance. He has done a lot for the development of Abkhazia, for strengthening its prestige in the international arena, thereby leaving a bright mark on the history of the state, as a statesman, intelligent and strict, experienced politician and undisputed leader, professional with outstanding authority.

He was listened to, his assessments were listened to, his positions were followed .... A rare combination of intelligence and decency allowed him to meet the challenges of the present and act in the interests of the majority of the population. He left an impressive legacy in public administration.

Gennady Gaguliya was not an orator, but he always did more than he spoke. Very demanding, first of all, to himself, he remained modest, always hesitated to be praised, tried not to disturb anyone, but quite the opposite, he loved giving people his attention and care!

I was lucky to spend a lot of time with him on various missions, and he approached every singke business mission with a great responsibly. If it concerned an exhibition, he carefully prepared for it. Everything was worked out by him to the last detail - the banner, its color, the whole pavilion, the stand as a whole. And thanks to this, we achieved brilliant results. I was especially surprised by his ability to negotiate at different levels.

He was a caring leader: in spite of the tiredness and the heavy air flight from Syria, on that fateful evening, when he got off the plane, he repeatedly called us to make sure that everything was all right with the delegation members.

I am proud that I worked under the direction of Gennady Gaguliya, he was a friend of mine! We are endlessly sorry to lose such an outstanding person, a substantial person, a friend, a mentor, to whom one could always turn for wise advice. In my memory, he will forever remain an attentive and responsive leader, a bright, outstanding and someone very dear to me!