The Bar Council of the Bar Association of Guyana has distanced itself from the grossly insensitive remarks made by Attorney Mohamed Ali regarding the death of Kadeen Gordon, who served as a Special Projects Officer and Personal Assistant to the Minister of Home Affairs. Minister Oneidge Walrond took to Facebook on Tuesday to express her condolences following Gordon’s sudden passing.
While many shared heartfelt tributes and reflected on the young man’s life and work, one particularly offensive comment, posted by Ali, stood out, sparking widespread outrage on the social media platform.
Ali commented, “Now I am curious since he, an attorney-at-law, was part of the process that denied lawyers Tint waiver permits. His death might be bitter sweet in the legal profession.”
Many were swift to condemn Ali, a relatively unknown legal practitioner, for his callous remark. In a statement on Tuesday, the Bar Council also joined in condemnation.
“The Bar Council of the Bar Association of Guyana has noted, with great astonishment and total disapproval, the grossly insensitive comments made by Mohamed Ali, Attorney-at-Law, regarding the passing of Kadeem Gordon, LL.B. The Council unequivocally disassociates itself, and the Bar of Guyana as a whole, from those comments and strongly condemns them,” the council stated.
Meanwhile, Minister Walrond also condemned Ali’s remark, noting that “this comment is not just inappropriate—it is vile.”
“To use the death of a young man—a son, a husband, a father—to push a personal grievance is heartless and deeply disturbing. There is a time for debate, and there is a time for basic human decency. This was a moment for compassion, and that was completely abandoned. For someone in the legal profession, this is even more disgraceful. It reflects a shocking lack of ethics, empathy and judgement,” she further noted, adding that “this kind of comment has no place in any civilised society.”
The Minister also posited that citizens can disagree on policy without losing their humanity.
Condolences
The Bar Council also used the opportunity to extend its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Gordon during this difficult time. Meanwhile, Minister Walrond, in her message of condolence, noted that she was “deeply shaken and heartbroken” by Gordon’s demise.
“This is a profound loss, and in moments like these, words feel wholly inadequate. Kadeem was my right arm. He ran my office with remarkable efficiency, care and thoughtfulness, always ensuring that everything was done with purpose and precision. We connected on many levels, and that made working with him not just easy, but truly a joy. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his two young sons, loved ones, and friends as they navigate this unimaginable grief. May they find strength in each other, comfort in cherished memories, and peace in the love that surrounds them,” the Minister expressed.
The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) also paid tribute to Gordon, noting that “disbelief is where we find ourselves, trying to come to terms with a loss that has hit us deeply.” According to the GTA, Gordon served with distinction as special projects officer and personal assistant to Minister Walrond.
“While he continued in this role at the Ministry of Home Affairs, his time at the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce remains close to us. He played an integral role in supporting the Ministry’s work during a period of growth for the sector, doing so with quiet strength and consistency,” the GTA said.
Gordon had also previously served as a member on the board of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority. In a statement on his passing, the Authority noted that Gordon’s “insight, dedication, contributions, and warm presence were truly valued and will always be remembered with great appreciation. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.”
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) Kwame McCoy also expressed condolences, noting that “Kadeem was a young and promising party activist who offered so much hope as he served his country admirably. Our only solace in this difficult time is to look to the memories we shared with him. My heartfelt condolences are extended to his parents, wife and sons, their extended families, and all his friends and comrades who loved and appreciated him. May he rest peacefully.”
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