“A fearless patriot” – PPP stalwart Shirley Edwards passes on

Former Member of Parliament and long-standing committee-member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Shirley Edwards, has passed away and tributes are pouring in recognition of her contributions to Guyana’s political struggles.
Edwards, who served several decades as a member of the PPP’s Central Committee and as a parliamentarian in Guyana’s National Assembly from 1992 to 2011, died at the age of 85 on Wednesday morning at her home in Lodge, Georgetown.

General Secretary of the PPP, Bharrat Jagdeo, confirmed Edwards’ passing, describing her a “fearless patriot”, party stalwart, and true daughter of Guyana. He recalled that Edwards joined the PPP at just 22 years old and remained a committed member for over six decades.
According to Jagdeo, she stood firm in defence of her party and country through some of the most difficult chapters in our history.
“Her courage, discipline, and unshakeable belief in the PPP’s founding principles of unity, equality, and democracy made her a towering figure in our movement. She was a symbol of resistance, loyalty, and hope for generations of Guyanese. Shirley worked tirelessly in service of ordinary citizens and stood as a living example of the strength and resilience of our women comrades in the struggle for a free and just society,” GS Jagdeo stated.
The PPP General Secretary added that Edwards legacy will continue to guide and inspire the party as they build on the foundation she helped to lay.
Similar sentiments were expressed by President Dr Irfaan Ali, who in extending condolences, hailed Edwards as a dedicated veteran of the PPP party who devoted six decades of her life to serving our country.
“As a long-standing member of our Party’s Central Committee and a respected parliamentarian, she played a crucial role in shaping our democratic landscape. Her contributions, rooted in sincerity and love for her country and our Party, will forever be etched in the history of our political struggles,” he said.
President Ali, who had attended the woman’s 85th birthday celebration last September, noted that Edwards was also a close friend of his grandmother, and had touched many lives, including his.
He said she represents a generation of leaders who fought relentlessly for the PPP and the people of Guyana.
Both Jagdeo and Ali extended condolences to the family members and friends.
Meanwhile, another senior PPP member, Clement Rohee also penned a tribute a tribute to Edwards, saying her death will not diminish her contributions nor her achievements to create a fair and just society in Guyana.
“Her fight for justice without violence, under the banner of the PPP; her belief woven of sympathy for the common working man and woman; the need for tolerance in a society characterized by ethnic and racial peculiarities and her belief in the basic goodness and brotherhood of man are the attributes we saw at all times shining through in Comrade Shirley as a party activist, a fighter for women’s rights, member of the Central Committee of the PPP and Member of Parliament,” Rohee stated.
He added that Edwards’ life and death must have something to teach Guyanese about the way forward for Guyana and the world today. Though her loss is irreplaceable, Rohee added, that the best tribute to pay to Edwards with her passing, would be to continue recruiting more and more young women into the PPP and to cultivate in them, all the attributes that exemplified Comrade Shirley as well as the lofty principles she fervently adhered to.
In addition to being recognised for her contributions as a female Member of Parliament, Edwards was also rewarded as a long-time PPP member. Only in January 2022, she celebrated 60 years as an active PPP member.
While Edwards recently retired from active party politics subsequently, she had still remained in contact with senior PPP associates and followed national developments.