Anoopwattie Vereen, educator and former Head teacher of the Helena Primary School at Mahai-ca, died yesterday after a brief period of illness, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported last evening.
Vereen was 68.
“She has shaped the lives of numerous children through her teachings, and helped to empower women and citizens through her relentless advocacy for women’s rights and community development work,” Minister of Labour Dr. Nanda Gopaul was quoted as saying by GINA, while noting that she was a role model for teachers, students and women throughout Guyana.
Gopaul said that Vereen has served well as a member of the Teaching Service Commission, and was always keenly interested in community development.
The PPP/C administration also extended sincere condolences to Vereen’s relatives, family and friends.
According to GINA, at the time of her death, Vereen was a leading member of the Region Five People’s Progressive Party (PPP) group and served in various positions in the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO), which is the PPP’s women’s arm. Vereen was also the Chairperson of the Unity/Vereeniging Neigh-bourhood Democratic Council, and the Upper East Coast Local Board of Guardians. She was also a Justice of the Peace and Commissioner of Oaths to Affidavits.
GINA also noted that in 2000, Vereen retired as graduate Headmistress of Helena Primary School after serving the system for 40 years as a teacher. The Ministry of Education in 1989 had given her the Teacher of the Year award for Region 4. In 1999, she was awarded the Bahai Woman of Distinction for Laudable and Sacrificial Service to Society.
Vereen had also served during her working years as a member of the Central Board of Health, a Regional Democratic Councillor (RDC) for Region Four and as Chairperson of the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute.
She was the mother of four children.
