Veteran journalist Shirley Thomas, passed away earlier this week after a period of hospitalization.

Shirley, a beloved member of the Guyana Chronicle family, leaves behind a legacy of compassionate journalism and dedicated service.

With over two decades of experience in the media, Shirley Thomas was an award-winning journalist known for her genuine humanism and preference for the simpler things in life.

She was a calming presence, able to connect with anyone in distress, offering comfort and reassurance.

Her colleagues remember her for her gentle approach to interviews and her unwavering kindness.

Shirley was also known for attending funerals to offer support to bereaved families, reflecting her deep empathy and commitment to her community.

Shirley held a Diploma in Public Communication from the University of Guyana and began her career as an Information Officer at the Guyana Information Service.

Her outstanding work earned her five PAHO/WHO Caribbean Media Awards for Excellence in Health Journalism, two environmental (Biodiversity) Reporting Awards, and a scholarship to attend the International Conference on Environmental Journalism in the Amazon, Brazil, in 2003.

In addition to her journalism career, Shirley was actively involved in public health initiatives.

She served as the Campaign Coordinator for the “Me to You” HIV/AIDS Behaviour Change Communication Campaign with the Ministry of Health from 2004 to 2006.

She also volunteered with the Salvation Army Advisory Board – Guyana Division as Secretary and Public Relations Officer and was a key figure in the Programme of Abstinence for Guyana.

From 2003 to 2006, Shirley headed a media HIV Care and Support Group, supporting Orphans and Vulnerable Children and mothers from the Bourda Prevention-of-Mother-to-Child-Transmission programme, initially funded by the Ambassador’s Fund for HIV.

Her dedication to health journalism was recognized internationally, as she attended multiple Caribbean International HIV Workshops and received the prestigious International AIDS Society Media Scholarship to cover the XVII International AIDS Conference in Mexico City in 2008.

Additionally, she was honoured with a scholarship from the Washington-based National Press Foundation for training in HIV/AIDS reporting, becoming a ‘J-2-J-‘’ Fellow in Health and Science Reporting.

The Guyana Chronicle extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Shirley Thomas.

Her remarkable contributions to journalism and public health will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.