– hailed for her contributions to Guyana’s democracy, development
Government-nominated Commissioner at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and former Minister of Human Services under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Bibi Shadick has passed away at the age of 76.
According to the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), she died at her East Street, Georgetown home sometime around 15:00h on Saturday. Guyana Times understands that Shadick had a prolonged battle with heart issues.
Hailing from Leguan Island, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Shadick was also an attorney-at-law by profession.
GECOM Commissioner Bibi Shadick
She was a PPP/C stalwart and served as a Minister of Government for several years as well as a Member of Parliament up until 2015. She was also appointed Pro-Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG) in 2015 and served in that post for some two years. At the time, she was a serving member of the University Council.
In addition, Shadick was appointed as Chairperson of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) in 2012, and later returned to the body in 2017 as the Opposition representative on the Board of Directors.
On Saturday, President Dr Irfaan Ali expressed his “profound sadness” over Shadick’s passing. In a Facebook post, the Head of State recalled sitting down with her only on Friday and listening to her wise counsel.
“This exceptional soul has given Guyana the best of her life. Her contribution as an educator, Cabinet Minister, lawyer, and leader in the PPP, humanitarian and social work is beyond question. This champion of democracy, freedom and development of Guyana was and will continue to be a great inspiration to me. May Allah grant her peace and a place in the highest heavens,” President Ali stated.
Meanwhile, General Secretary of the PPP, Bharrat Jagdeo also expressed condolences on behalf of the party.
Recalling the many capacities in which Shadick served over the years and up until her passing, Jagdeo said “She left a rich legacy of service to the people of Guyana.”
At the time of her death, Shadick was still serving as a GECOM Commissioner. As a Commissioner, she had been outspoken and played an integral role prior to and after the historic March 2, 2020 General and Regional Election to ensure democracy prevailed in Guyana.
In fact, she was also instrumental in the removal of former embattled Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, his Deputy Roxanne Myers and Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo from GECOM. Shadick was one of two GECOM Commissioners who had tabled a motion last year for the removal of the trio, who are before the courts facing a series of electoral fraud charges. They were terminated from the Elections Commission last August.
Her GECOM colleague, Government-nominated Commissioner Sase Gunraj lauded the work of Shadick and her contribution to Guyana’s development through many professional and political roles.
Scores of other persons, including many of her PPP comrades, have since expressed their shock and condolences over Shadick’s sudden passing.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand penned on social media, “Bibi Shadick was a beloved and revered educator known for teaching Mathematics well and changing lives long before she became a lawyer, Minister, and GECOM Commissioner. Many of you know her work as a national and public figure and in those roles, she made many notable contributions.”
Moreover, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill also shared his sentiments, saying “An oak tree has fallen. It is with great sadness that I mourn the loss of my friend, colleague and comrade, Bibi Shadick. Her imprint on the development of our country is evident; ensuring democracy prevailed and that the will of the people was respected.”
Meanwhile, Attorney General Anil Nandlall expressed how much Shadick would have influenced the life of people she interacted and was involved with.
“You played your part in life, in the life of others and for your country and you did it your unique way…Fortunate am I to have met you and shall always be grateful for the much you have done for me,” Nandlall shared.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha further wrote, “Comrade Bibi was a true guardian of democracy and will be missed by many. Her service to her party and this country will never be forgotten.”
Other Ministers of Government took to their various social media platforms offering words of comfort and reminiscing on the time they would have spent with her.
Shadick’s funeral will be held today. The funeral service and viewing will be held from 09:00h to 11:00h at her East Street residence. Thereafter, Janaaza will be held in Leguan at 14:00h followed by burial.
Transportation will be available from East Street for anyone desirous of attending Janaaza.
