Dear Editor,
THE New York Guyana Democracy Project (NYGDP) condoles the passing of GECOM Commissioner, Bibi Shadick, on Saturday August 13th.  The organisation says the sudden passing of Ms. Bibi Shadick is extremely saddening. NYGDP states: “She brought energy to GECOM. She was a woman of passion and conviction. Her death is a big loss to GECOM. Our condolence to her bereaved relatives and friends.”

Dr. Tara Singh, President of NYGDP, describes her “as an indomitable, tenacious, strong-willed, courageous person who stood up for the integrity of elections in Guyana. She made a mark at GECOM with her immense contributions. She was very experienced on election matters and very knowledgeable about election laws. She was also a parliamentarian for several years. She has left behind an indelible contribution to democracy in Guyana. We will never forget her role during the five months ordeal to rig the outcome in which she was very effective at combating the rigging.”

I remember Bibi Shadick fondly in having several exchanges with her over the years when she was a Minister of Social Services, Pro Chancellor of UG, and GECOM Commissioner. She was not one to easily engage. She was hardly in agreement with others. She held strong views. Not someone who simply accept complaints but to query for solutions.

She strongly defended her positions and ideas on policies. She lauded the activism of those in the diaspora who fought for free and fair elections between 1966 and 1992 and who publicly stood on the side of democracy after the no-confidence vote of December 21, 2018 and the March 2, 2020 elections. She was gracious in praising my activism and writings in support of democracy in Guyana. She was very complimentary and laudatory of my writings in the newspapers though she made it clear she was in disagreement of some of my pieces.

Bibi Shadick’s contributions to the country as a minister and GECOM Commissioner were immense. She held very strong uncompromising beliefs in free and fair elections. She exhibited no-holds-barred remarks on issues, especially if she felt they were against the interests of her party. Her vast experience in election matters will be missed. But she will be an inspiration to others who will follow her in GECOM. My heartfelt condolences to her family and admirers.

Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram