Tributes were on Saturday offered at a press conference in honour of the late Dr Faith Harding, at the Pegasus Hotel.
Dr Harding passed away suddenly on Friday at the age of 67 after hospitalization at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital.
The press conference which was coordinated by Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness (CADVA) and Caribbean one Billion Rising had in attendance Tiffany Jackson, Guy- ana Representative of CADVA, Dr Dawn Stewart-Lyken, another member of CADVA and the founder of Monique’s Helping Hands, along with the Y3K group which was one of the late Dr Harding’s favourite music bands.
In a tribute to Harding, Jackson recalled an experience which had significantly impacted her life many years ago when she came out of a traumatic experience and Dr Harding stood with her and offered counselling to her four-year-old child which was much needed at the time.
Jackson, expressed condolences to those who were close to Dr Harding and apologized on the behalf of Harding’s husband, Patrick Harding, for his absence from the gathering. The distraught man cancelled his presence at the last moment, although he had promised to be there.
“He is still in a state of shock and cannot speak to the media and public at the moment,” Jackson told the gathering.
Stewart-Lyken also recalled outstanding humanitarian qualities of the former politician who she said selflessly offered help to many of her clients without any financial attachments.
She also expressed shock and surprise at the passing of Dr Harding whom she referred to as a mentor.
A condolence book was placed in the lobby of the Pegasus Hotel for persons desirous of appending their names.
Two other events in honour of Dr Harding are scheduled for May 8 and May 9. The first will kick off at the Pegasus Hotel and will feature tributes. It will coincide with the observance of Inter-national Women’s Day. The National Cultural Centre will light up with a display of artistic performances on May 9 in her memory.
