Literary icon Dr. Ian McDonald passes on

July 24 2026

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has expressed deep sadness at the passing of renowned writer, columnist and former sugar industry executive Dr. Ian McDonald, describing him as “a literary figure of worth and one of the Caribbean’s distinguished sons.”

In a message of condolence, the President paid tribute to McDonald’s enduring contribution to Caribbean literature, culture, sport and public life.

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Ian McDonald, a literary figure of worth and one of the Caribbean’s distinguished sons.

Dr. Ian McDonald was the Caribbean made flesh: Antigua’s blood ran in his veins, Trinidad cradled his first breath, Guyana claimed the fullness of his years, and the West Indies claimed his soul.”

The President described McDonald as a gifted poet and writer whose work celebrated the people, landscapes and culture of Guyana and the wider Caribbean.

“He was a poet of rare grace, a scribe of eloquence, a keeper of our fragile, fierce cultural flame. Through the power of his pen, he projected the beauty of our flowers, our trees, our birds and our landscapes; he gave dignity to the toiling hands of our people; and celebrated the genius and majesty of our cricketers.

He showed us that language is the scaffolding upon which we build our tomorrows. His verses sang of both our fractures and our wholeness, our anguish and our ecstasy, stitching the frayed tapestry of Caribbean life into something luminous and lasting.”

President Ali also reflected on McDonald’s influence through his long-running newspaper columns, which encouraged a love of reading and literature among Guyanese.

“Through his once weekly columns, he encouraged Guyanese not only to read but to read well, pointing us toward books, prose and poetry that would enrich our minds and touch our souls.”

The President also highlighted McDonald’s passion for cricket and lawn tennis, as well as his years of service to Guyana’s sugar industry.

“And oh, how he loved the game of cricket—not as mere sport, but as the very rhythm of our regional soul. His passion for the game was but a mirror of his larger passion for life. His love for lawn tennis was equal to his love for cricket. He played the game with a distinction.

He will also be remembered for his years of service to our sugar industry.”

Noting the country’s current period of mourning following the MV Barima tragedy, President Ali said McDonald’s passing comes at a particularly difficult time.

“It is sad that he should leave us now, when the hour is so dark and our nation longs for the wisdom that flowed from his pen. At this time when grief drapes our nation, we need more than ever his words to steady us, to console us, to remind us that even in loss, there is the promise of renewal.”

The President extended condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, as well as his family.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, and on my own behalf and that of my family, I offer my condolences to his loved ones.

May his soul find the peace that his words so abundantly gave.”