Veteran journalist and former Editor-in-Chief of the Guyana Chronicle Sharief Khan died after a suspected heart attack at his Ogle, East Coast Demerara home early Tuesday morning.
Guyana Times International was told that Khan, 59, was preparing to go to work at Office of the President when he collapsed. He was a consultant in the Climate Change Unit at OP at the time of his death. Khan had a history of heart problems, and several years ago he had complete bypass surgery.
Leading the tributes, President Bharrat Jagdeo in a statement expressed sadness at the passing of Khan. He said Khan was a good, decent human being. “He had a kind heart, was congenial, respectful and wholeheartedly committed to his work.”
The president noted that Khan was an outstanding journalist who was passionate about his vocation as a media practitioner. He was the most senior journalist in the country and someone who exemplified hard work and commitment to his job.
“After he retired from the Guyana Chronicle, Sharief took up an appointment as a media consultant with the Climate Change Unit at the Office of the President. He brought to the job the same dedication, passion, and skill which had characterised his years in the media.
“He was a valued member of the Climate Change team and we will certainly miss him. On behalf of the Government of Guyana, particularly the Climate Change Unit, and on my own behalf, I extend sincerest condolences to his grieving family, other relatives and friends,” President Jagdeo said.
Current Editor-in-Chief of the Guyana Chronicle, Mark Ramotar, said he considered Khan a mentor and very dear friend. “He was an incredible individual who made a significant contribution to the print media in Guyana. Throughout his years in journalism, Sharief prided himself in being able to annoy pompous people,” Ramotar remembered. “My foremost thought at this moment is that the passing of so great an editor and journalist will be felt not only throughout Guyana, but farther afield. His death leaves a deep void within the journalism fraternity in Guyana.”
Guyana Times Editor Nigel Williams, in expressing condolences to the relatives and friends of Khan said the media fraternity has lost a solid journalist who indeed made his mark in helping to shape this country’s history. Williams said Khan was always willing to share his knowledge and experience of the craft with younger journalists and his passing had made the profession poorer.
Mr Khan also served consulting editor for Guyana Times.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Press Association said it is not only shocked, but deeply saddened at the passing of another veteran journalist. A statement from the body noted that “his death in February is a tough blow coming so soon after the media fraternity mourned the passing of Clem David in January of this year”.
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