Media and communications specialist, Namela Henry passed away yesterday following her battle with COVID-19.
The 63-year-old who had spent almost 14 days at the country’s Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, became the country’s 224th coronavirus fatality.
When Stabroek News contacted Henry’s son, Alier Henry, he recalled that his mother had been exhibiting symptoms of the virus, which included shortness of breath, just a few days before she was admitted to the hospital. “She …got the symptoms like Monday and then she got admit to the hospital the Thursday,” Henry noted. He noted that his mother did have underlying conditions.
According to Henry, he was there step by step, speaking with doctors about his mother’s condition while she was in the hospital and said she was treated well while at the facility. He noted that the family is still unaware of how she contracted the virus, he opined that she was probably severely affected by the virus given her age and her underlying conditions.
“You could just catch a bus, buy something from the market and you get it, you know you touch something and you could get it, so you just got to be careful,” he cautioned, while urging that persons need to take COVID-19 seriously as it is real.
Meanwhile the Guyana Press Association (GPA) in a statement said that Namela’s contribution to the media will not be forgotten. The statement also noted that Henry in her media career, worked at various entities including HBTV Channel Nine, Guyana Chronicle, and the Department of Public Information.
“Namela as many would remember was known for her jovial and caring attributes. She would always be remembered for being strong about her opinions and views and for nurturing those under her wings,” the GPA said.
The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) also released a statement mourning the loss of their former trustee and Co-Chair. “Affectionately called ‘Aunt Nams’ by the young people in SASOD, Namela was always a proud and vocal ally, demanding that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) people be treated equally.”
According to SASOD, Henry served the organisation for approximately five years as Trustee, then Co-Chairperson, and actively participated in projects and the work of the organization. The Society extended its condolences to Henry’s family and friends.
