IT was with great shock and sadness that I learnt of the passing of my mentor and very dear friend, Sharief Khan.

As everyone who knew him can attest, Sharief was an exceptional journalist, fiercely determined and patriotic. It was his kind of courage that contributed to Guyana’s achievement of democracy and freedom of speech.

No words can express the gratitude I owe Sharief for the guidance he gave me in developing a career in journalism, and for his sincere friendship.

I met Sharief in 1987 when I embarked on a work study stint at Stabroek News, hoping to learn journalism from the people who did it best. Then Editor-in-Chief and publisher, the late Mr. David de Caires, assigned Sharief as my mentor, and I remember being struck by his ‘down to earth’ demeanour. Perhaps, as another protégé and I would be able to joke with him a few days later, it was because we had an image of a super serious, burly man based on how strong his voice sounded on radio.

He may have been of small stature, but his journalistic strides were that of a giant. Yet, he remained unpretentious and respectful, always proud to say he was a humble ‘country boy’ from Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo.

As the News Editor at the time, Sharief had a group of youngsters under his wing and was never impatient in imparting his knowledge, teaching the importance of persistence in getting the story, offering tips on angles and developing sources, and of course, often sharing a good laugh about his experiences or yours.
I recall when he had just returned from training at the Thompson Foundation in the UK, he was so eager to share what he learnt that, at a personal sacrifice, he started a Saturday morning class with us.

I continued to work with Sharief for many years when he had moved on to the Guyana Chronicle and where he was instrumental in helping me further my career.

Once, when I had an office next door to his, we developed the habit of greeting each other as “neighbs”, consulting aloud through the window partition on stories, or just chatting about life’s ups and downs.

There was always room for loads of humour in the newsroom whenever Sharief was around, making light of what is very hard work. While we are sad at his passing, I am sure many are smiling when they recall some of his amusing antics.

Sharief was also the person who offered a listening ear or a helpful hand and advice whenever the road got bumpy, and over the years, was also a great friend to my family. We will never forget his many acts of kindness.

And anyone who knew him had to admire his selfless devotion not only to journalism, but to his mother and brothers and sisters to whom I extend deep condolences.
May God comfort you.

May Sharief’s soul rest in peace.