Today marks the 84th birthday of Sandra Williams, who transformed herself into the iconic activist Andaiye. Though she passed away in 2019, her influence is still felt across Guyana and the wider Caribbean.
Born in Georgetown in 1942, Andaiye became an early executive of the Working People’s Alliance, a socialist party that opposed the authoritarian regime of the 1970s and 1980s. She later focused on women’s rights, founding the Red Thread Women’s Organization in 1986 to mobilize grassroots care work and challenge ethnic divisions.
Her legacy extends beyond national borders. Andaiye helped edit Walter Rodney’s final books, served on CAFRA’s executive, and worked with CARICOM and the University of the West Indies on gender policy. She also founded the Guyana Cancer Society and the Cancer Survivors’ Action Group after her own long battle with cancer.
In 1997 she received Guyana’s Golden Arrow of Achievement, and her posthumous volume, “The Point Is to Change the World,” was published in 2020, preserving her essays and speeches for future generations. A memorial held in June 2019 drew activists from across the Caribbean to honor her.
Andaiye’s dedication to social justice, anti‑racism, and women’s empowerment continues to inspire activists and scholars alike, ensuring her voice remains a guiding force in the region.
