PPP/C mourns Dr Ishmael’s passing

THE Peoples’ Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has expressed deep condolences to the family and friends of Dr Mohammed Ali Odeen Ishmael, who passed away at his home on Saturday.

The party in a statement said Dr Ishmael was a central committee member of the Progressive Youth Organisation from 1972 to 1982 and a central committee member of the People’s Progressive Party from 1980 to 1988.

The late diplomat was also a well-known educator and his qualifications included a bachelor’s of arts degree in geography, a post-graduate diploma in education and a PhD in education.

Dr Ishmael started his career as a primary school teacher in 1964, becoming a secondary school teacher in 1971. He remained in the education field in Guyana until 1985, when he migrated to The Bahamas where he taught from 1986 to 1993.

When the PPP/C won the 1992 elections, President Cheddi Jagan appointed him Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the U.S. and concurrently Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States (1993 to2003).

Dr Ishmael also served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Guyana to Venezuela (2003 to 2011). From 2011 to 2014, he became Guyana’s first ambassador to the State of Kuwait and Non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Guyana to the State of Qatar from April 2013 to June 2014. He served Guyana with distinction and was highly respected by his peers in the diplomatic field, the PPP/C statement said.

“In 2003, the United States Congress, in a joint resolution, also paid a special tribute to him. He had a passion for history and writing. His scholarly works covered a diverse range of topics, including Amerindian stories, diplomacy, politics and history. He has made an immense intellectual contribution to our country. Comrade Odeen was held in high esteem throughout his career; he received the Gandhi Centenary Gold Medal (1974), the Cacique Crown of Honour (1997) and the Martin Luther King Legacy Award. The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic will like to extend our deepest condolences to his wife Evangeline Ishmael, his son Safraz Waseem Ishmael and his daughter Nadeeza Ishmael. At this time of sadness and mourning, be consoled by the fact that Dr Odeen touched the lives of many Guyanese. May his soul rest in peace,” the statement concluded.