The life of human rights activist Andaiye, was celebrated on Saturday, when many paid tribute. Among those delivering remarks were Joy Marcus and Halima Khan, members of Red Thread. There were also tributes from the Emancipation Support Committee, done by Asha Kambon, the Global Women’s Strike, done by Margaret Prescod, and Help & Shelter, done by Denise Dias.
Others who spoke at the celebration included Tacuma Ogunseye, representing the Working People’s Alliance, Mitzy Campbell, Viki Jackson, Kevin Bacchus, Iyabo Kwayana, Jocelyn Dow and Monica Jardin. Close friend and comrade Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, read a poem by Martin Carter, while another close comrade, Karen de Souza, gave the last words.
The late woman’s reflections on her battle with cancer and her outlook on life during that time, were printed on the programme for the celebration. “…I would fight as hard as I could to live as long as I could so that if the time came that I couldn’t fight anymore I could accept that with grace. That promise to myself in some way
made me feel stronger,” she had expressed. She added that no one ever wants to go but, “The question is whether you reach the point where you can let go. It doesn’t mean all fear and anxiety go, but that there are other things as well, including the certainty that you are love.”
The celebration of life was held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, after the venue was changed from the Promenade Gardens due to flooding. Andaiye’s body was cremated at the Good Hope Crematorium.
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