a pillar of Guyanese arts, literary and cultural excellence

THE University of Guyana is deeply saddened by the passing of Ameena Gafoor, a distinguished former lecturer, author, researcher, and benefactor who profoundly impacted the literary and cultural landscape of Guyana.
Mrs. Gafoor, who was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the University in 2022, leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond academia, touching countless lives through her scholarship, philanthropy, and cultural activism.
During the 2022 Conferral Ceremony, Al Creighton, the orator, described Mrs. Gafoor as “a symbol of endurance and enlightenment; a flame providing light, steadfast and persevering, against the persistent force of a prevailing wind.” Her life, marked by resilience and grace, serves as a model of triumph over adversity, a narrative of “illumination and hopeful victory over darkness.”

Mrs. Gafoor’s contributions to the literary world are vast and varied. She was the founder and editor of The Arts Journal, a literary academic publication, and the founder and director of The Arts Forum, which fostered a special interest in visual arts and Indian art. Her involvement in the literary community also included serving as a jury member for the Guyana Prize for Literature. At the time of her passing, she was preparing for the release of her Bibliography of Guyanese Writers, which will now stand as a testament to her lifelong dedication to the promotion of Guyanese literature and culture.
As a feminist critic and a Muslim woman, Mrs. Gafoor brought a unique perspective to her work, particularly in the context of Islamic womanhood in Guyana—a rare and invaluable voice in the country’s literary canon. Her contributions extend to founding the Ameena Gafoor Institute, a cultural, literary, intellectual, artistic, and research center based in England. The Institute, under the direction of Professor David Dabydeen, continues to advance research and scholarship in diverse areas, including the history and literature of Indian Indentureship.
Beyond her literary pursuits, Mrs. Gafoor was also a philanthropist and social worker, deeply committed to the advancement of her community. She served as CEO of the Gafoor’s Foundation and, alongside her husband, hardware mogul Dr. Sattaur Gafoor, generously donated the University of Guyana’s Multi-purpose Centre, which is nearing completion.

The University of Guyana extends its deepest condolences to Mrs. Gafoor’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. The university community, including Chancellor Prof. Edward Greene, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin, and the entire faculty, staff, and student body, especially those from the Faculty of Education and Humanities, mourns the loss of a remarkable individual whose contributions have left an indelible mark.
As the university reflects on Mrs. Gafoor’s extraordinary life, it celebrates her enduring legacy and the profound impact she has had on Guyanese society and beyond. Her memory will continue to inspire future generations of scholars, writers, and cultural advocates.
For more information about Ameena Gafoor’s life and work, or to view the video of her Honorary Doctorate conferral in 2022, visit the University of Guyana’s website at www.uog.edu.gy.