Elections Commissioner and former Minister of Human Services and Social Security Bibi Shadick died at her East Street, North Cummingsburg home yesterday.
Shadick’s death was announced by the Central Islamic Origination of Guyana (CIOG) via a Facebook post. CIOG said that she “passed peacefully at her residence at 3pm this afternoon.”
In a subsequent update, it was announced that her funeral will take place today. The body of the 76-year-old People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) stalwart will be at her 317 East Street home from 9 to 11 am after which it will be transported to the island of Leguan for janaaza at 1:30 pm.
Shadick, an attorney, was said to be ill at the time of her death.
Shadick hailed from Waterloo village on the island of Leguan, in the Essequibo River. She had eight siblings and received her initial schooling on the island. She attended Maryville Government School and was then awarded a scholarship to attend the Bishops’ High School in Georgetown.
After completing her secondary education, she joined the teaching profession where she served for a number of years. She read for her Bachelor’s Degree in Education at the University of Guyana and taught until 1993. She then read for her degree in law at UG after which she obtained her Certificate of Legal Education Certificate in 1998 from the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad.
She was admitted to the local Bar in the same year.
In 2001, she was appointed as Minister of Human Services and Social Security under then President Bharrat Jagdeo. She also served as Pro-Chancellor for the University of Guyana and Chairman of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority.
She was one of the government-nominated members of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), where she served until her death.
Upon learning of her death, President Irfaan Ali said “It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the passing of Bibi Shadick. Only yesterday I had the opportunity of sitting in her presence and listening to her wise counsel. This exceptional soul has given Guyana the best of her life. Her contribution as an educator, cabinet Minister, lawyer, and leader in the PPP, humanitarian and social work is beyond question. This champion of democracy, freedom and development of Guyana was and will continue to be a great inspiration to me. May Allah grant her peace and a place in the highest heavens.”
Her fellow government-nominated commissioner Sase Gunraj said that Shadick contributed to the development of Guyana in many different ways.
Several government ministers also expressed their shock at Shadick’s death.
Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill said, “An Oak tree has fallen…Her imprint on the development of our country is evident; ensuring democracy prevailed and that the will of the people was respected. Sincere condolences to Javed [Shadick’s son] who serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors on the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority Board, as well as the family and friends of Bibi. May the God of all comfort provide peace for us all at this time.”
Minister of Education Priya Manickchand remembered Shadick as a “beloved and revered educator known for teaching mathematics well and changing lives.”
“Many of you know her work as a National and public figure and in those roles she made many notable contributions. I am certain her efforts will live on in the many lives she touched. May her soul rest in eternal peace. Thanks Shado!” Manickchand said on her Facebook page.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, in his role as General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, expressed condolences on behalf of himself and the party to the family of Shadick.
“Cde Shadick served in many capacities, including as a Member of Parliament and Minister of Human Services and Social Security, and more recently, a Commissioner on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) up until her passing. She left a rich legacy of service to the people of Guyana,” Jagdeo noted.
In paying his respects, Attorney General and Shadick’s longtime friend Anil Nandlall said “Good bye …you played your part in life, in the life of others and for your country and you did it your unique way…fortunate am I to have met you and shall always be grateful for the much you have done for me. I know you have lived your life to its fullest, upon your own terms and conditions and with little or no regrets. I will miss you … nay we will all miss you. May your soul now enjoy eternal peace!”
Several of Shadick’s former students and colleagues took to social media to remember her for all of the wonderful things she did for them. She was described as a “fierce teacher, stalwart and a true Guyanese heroine.”
