Guyana’s Elections Commissioner Bibi Shadick has died.

The 76-year-old Shadick, who had previously served as minister of social services, passed away at her home on Saturday (August 13).

An attorney and teacher by profession, she was also a former chairman of the Guyana Broadcasting Authority and a former member of parliament.

Among those paying tribute was Guyana President Irfaan Ali who said he last saw Shadick on Friday.

“Only yesterday I had the opportunity of sitting in her presence and listening to her wise counsel,” Ali said on Saturday after receiving the news.

“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.” 

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, who is also general secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, of which Shadick was a member, said: “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.”

In its tribute, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) said it had been left saddened by the sudden and shocking death of its commissioner.

According to GECOM, “as a Commissioner at GECOM, Bibi Shadick’s efforts were consistently focused on the efficient management of registration and election projects as Constitutionally mandated, enacted in the legislation as well as international best practices. Her principled position was to ensure that there was compliance with fiscal and administrative procedures.”