Sharief Khan – a short tribute

Dear Editor,

Death has ruthlessly plucked my good friend, Sharief Khan, from this mortal world at the relatively young age of 59, but such divine intervention must visit us all at some point in time.

Sharief was the epitome of journalistic competence and excellence in Guyana and the Caribbean, and he must be placed very high on any journalism hall of fame which we may establish. In fact, I think we ought to move very swiftly and establish the ‘Sharief Khan Hall of Fame’ for journalists who have excelled. I must admit that, with the current crop of journalists, we will be hard pressed to find suitable inductees.

Sharief was a journalist par excellence in both print and audio media, and was in a genre of his own. To compare him with any other journalist is to discredit Sharief, who achieved the highest level of journalistic pragmatism and decency, even though at times, in the bad old days, he had to struggle against oppressive forces to maintain the thin line between objectivity and bias.

In his early days as a journalist, he mastered the art of effectively reporting the news in a politically-charged environment, where political interference in reporting the news was commonplace. His indomitable will to be the best ensured his survival, growth and ultimate eminence in the communication business in Guyana and all of Caricom. Indeed, Sharief stands proud on the journalistic pedestal of the region.

He also told us our articles for the newspaper must be written using simple words so the ordinary man-in-the-street can understand, and not to use “big words” which only the intellectuals can understand. An indulgence in “big words” can defeat the entire purpose of a newspaper to educate, inform, and entertain across all strata.

Though I am very saddened at his passing, I take comfort in the fact that, despite having been born into poverty, like so many of us, his remarkable achievements in journalism did not trigger a condescension of his character – a trait so identifiable in many lesser mortals. He steadfastly remained, throughout his life, a very simple and affable man – characteristics of a great personality.

As Chuck Palahniuk, American freelance journalist, satirist and novelist, said: “We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever. The goal is to create something that will.” Those in journalism in Guyana should take a page from the big book that is called `Sharief Khan – the Journalist’ and try to emulate him partially. It will make a big difference. Rest in eternal peace, my friend.

Yours faithfully,

Mahadeo Panchu