The Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) in Guyana said the news of the death of Mrs Anoopwattie Vereen was truly shocking. “No one expected that when she took ill on Friday 18th, that she would not have recovered. So it was natural that all her friends and family breathed a sigh of relief when she showed sign of recovery which unfortunately did not last,” WPO said in a statement.
In reflecting on the life of Vereen, the WPO said she was a remarkable woman, noting that one cannot help but appreciate what a loving and caring person she was.
“The village of Helena No. Two and the environs of Mahaica are still in shock. Ms Vereen was the chairperson of the NDC [Neighbourhood Democratic Council], a justice of the peace and commissioner of affidavits who whether night and day was at the beck and call of those who needed help. She was on the local board of guardians and made it her duty to ensure that all who needed help were given.”
The children who needed lessons flocked to her bottom-house classes, because her results were also excellent, the WPO said, adding that the young people whom she encouraged to become involved in the Rising Star cultural group benefited from her experience and patience.
“The WPO group in Mahaica, which she led for more than 14 years grew from strength to strength not only in numbers but in exposure and confidence.
She was in the PPP Central Committee, as well as the WPO Central Committee and secretariat.
She traversed the length and breadth of Guyana to train women on local government issues through the National Democratic Institute.
“She was a teacher by profession and served in the capacity of headmistress of her school. Ms Vereen was a great country and western singer and was not shy when called upon to give a rendition.
She was also involved in the Mandir of her community,” the WPO said.
It added that Vereen had four biological children but “was a mother to all the children she taught and mentored…Guyana has lost a wonderful daughter who served her homeland with dignity, patience, commitment and courage.”
