Remembering Ambassador Odeen Ishmael

Jan 16, 2019 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

I have read in the media the sad news of the sudden demise of the late Dr. Odeen Ishmael, former Ambassador of the Republic of Guyana to the United States of America, the Organisation of the American States and other countries, who passed away in Florida a few days ago.
I am shocked and grieved over this tragedy and would like to express my condolences and those of my family to his beloved spouse, children, siblings, relatives and friends.
As I reflect on this unfortunate event, I am reminded of the fact that as day alternates with night and joy with sorrow, so does life with death, for in this temporal world no one is immortal, whether monarch or mendicant, prince or pauper, all of us will eventually exit this planet for “in the midst of life there is death”.
Perhaps, it is opportune for me to state also that Seneca, the celebrated Roman philosopher, statesman and tragedian, once remarked that “the ultimate purpose of life is preparation for death.”
I have had the pleasure, honour and privilege of working with Ambassador Ishmael at the Guyana Embassy in Washington, D.C. for five years (1994-1999). He was an illustrious diplomat who was the epitome of humility and comity, with a sweet charisma and a refulgent mind.
During my tour of duty there, we have had numerous discussions on financial, administrative and protocol matters, respectively, almost on a weekly basis regarding the modus operandi of the Mission in my capacity as the Administrative Attaché.
Moreover, Ambassador Ishmael was a prolific writer with a dynamic personality, which magnetized those persons who came into contact with him with his warm and infectious demeanor.
In the diplomatic firmament, he was a radiant star.
Shakespeare’s in his dramatic masterpiece “As you like it” wrote the following:-
All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts…”
Ambassador Ishmael has played many roles in his brief sojourn in life, including that of husband, father, mentor, writer and diplomat, which he did with finesse and aplomb.
A shining star has fallen, a brilliant light has gone but the vicissitudes of this transient life go on.
Farewell, Dear Ambassador.
Goodbye Our Gracious Friend.
Since death is a transition and not a destination, may the angels in heaven serenade your sweet soul until we meet again in the life hereafter where the ugly spectre of death is seen no more.

Andrew Zamal
Canada

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