Ameena Gafoor dies

Ameena Gafoor, a Guyanese philanthropist and cultural luminary, died on Monday.

Gafoor was renowned for her cultural work, particularly through her role as founder and editor of The Arts Journal which distinguished her as an outstanding contributor to Caribbean cultural history.

Alongside her husband, she was also involved in a myriad of charitable activities, the Gafoor Foundation funding a dozen and more medical, educational, and sports projects. Her many roles include being Patron of ChildLink Guyana, an NGO that seeks out and counsels abused and neglected adolescents, and Chairman of the Doobay Medical Centre, a non-profit medical clinic that offers Haemodialysis treatment to patients suffering renal failure.

In 2020, the Ameena Gafoor Institute for the Study of Indentureship and its Legacies was established, the only such body in Britain or Europe.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali was among those who expressed condolences.

See below the full statement from President Dr. Irfaan Ali: 

I join all Guyana in mourning the passing of Mrs. Ameena Gafoor, a truly extraordinary woman whose contributions to our nation, and especially to the literary arts were exceptional

Ameena’s kindness and generosity were unmatched, touching the lives of many through her consistent support for various philanthropic endeavours, particularly in the promotion of the literary arts. Her efforts nurtured and uplifted the talents of writers, poets, and artists across Guyana, making a lasting impact on our nation.

Ameena will be remembered not only for her profound influence in the literary world but also for her humility and warm-spiritedness.

Her gracious nature and compassionate heart made her a beloved figure to all who knew her. In her passing, Guyana has lost a true literary luminary and one of its kindest souls.

On behalf of the government and people of Guyana, I extend our deepest condolences to her husband, family, and all who mourn her loss. May her example continue to inspire kindness, generosity, and a love for the arts in all of us.

May Allah’s divine blessings and mercy be with her!