Veteran journalist Namela Baynes-Henry has died. She was 63 years old.
Baynes-Henry, a mother of three, died on Thursday at the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal after a two weeks battle with COVID-19.
When contacted, her youngest son confirmed her passing, explaining that she had contracted the Coronavirus Disease and had been in institutional care for a period of two weeks.
The news of her passing has sent shock waves throughout the media fraternity with many of her colleagues expressing condolences to her family. During her career as a journalist, Baynes-Henry worked at LRTV News in Berbice, HBTV Channel Nine, First Look, Guyana Chronicle and the Department of Public Information (DPI).
Describing her as a jovial and caring individual, the Guyana Press Association, in a statement attributes, Baynes-Henry will be remembered for being strong about her opinions and views and for nurturing those under her wings.
“Namela’s contribution to the media will not be forgotten,” the press association said.
The veteran journalist is the 121st person to have died from COVID-19 since it was first detected in Guyana one year ago. To date, well over 9,000 persons have contracted the virus.