Literary icon and philanthropist Ameena Gafoor passes away

Distinguished literary figure and philanthropist Ameena Gafoor has died. Gafoor was born in 1941.
In a tribute, President Dr Irfaan Ali expressed his deep sorrow at Gafoor’s passing, stating, “I join all Guyana in mourning the passing of Mrs. Ameena Gafoor, a truly extraordinary woman whose contributions to our nation, and especially to the literary arts, were exceptional. Ameena’s kindness and generosity were unmatched, touching the lives of many through her consistent support for various philanthropic endeavors, particularly in the promotion of the literary arts.”
Ali highlighted Gafoor’s role in nurturing the talents of writers, poets, and artists across the country, noting that her efforts “made a lasting impact on our nation.” He added, “Ameena will be remembered not only for her profound influence in the literary world but also for her humility and warm-spiritedness. Her gracious nature and compassionate heart made her a beloved figure to all who knew her.”
“May her example continue to inspire kindness, generosity, and a love for the arts in all of us. May Allah’s divine blessings and mercy be with her,” the president as he extended condolences to Gafoor’s husband and family.
In her younger years, Gafoor’s taught literature and French at the Central High School. She was also a teacher at Tutorial High School, she taught French and Latin.

She was also the founder and editor of The Arts Journal which was pivotal in shaping Caribbean cultural history. Over the course of 13 volumes (2004-2018), the journal served as a vital platform for Guyanese writers, artists and scholars.
Gafoor’s legacy was most prominently embodied in the Ameena Gafoor Institute (AGI), which has gained international recognition since its inception. The Institute, established in March 2020 under the directorship of Professor David Dabydeen, was formally launched at the House of Lords in the UK Parliament in October 2021. The AGI, with its Academic Advisory Board of 40 scholars worldwide and Honorary Patrons of distinction, has become a global hub for research and dialogue on Indentureship and its legacies.
One of the AGI’s most significant achievements is the creation of its website, which has gone global, becoming the most extensive repository of literature on Indentureship. The website’s comprehensive bibliography, updated monthly, lists practically every book or article published on the subject. The Journal of Indentureship and its Legacies, another brainchild of the AGI, has published six issues since its establishment, featuring the work of over 26 scholars, writers, and artists. The Journal, an Open Access title, continues to receive thousands of views each month from readers worldwide.