While former councilwoman Una Clarke, who claims the title as the “First Caribbean-American women elected to the NYC Council,” called Chisholm “ a pioneer in politics” and “one of the finest examples for women.”

“She showed that there is no barrier to our aspirations, fulfillments and contributions we can make to our people,” added Clarke, who in the past, tried but failed to become the first Caribbean-woman elected to Congress. “She will be sorely missed by all of us who have held her as our role model, both in politics and education.”

Guyanese-born professor of political science, Dr. Festus L. Brotherson, Jr., said “Shirley Chislomn led the way in the political realm,” but “the fact that she was of Guyanese parentage is THE source of pride.” Caribbean American politicians also weighed in. Vincentian-born Councilmember, Kendall Stewart, called the former congresswoman, “a Moses of her people.”

“She was not afraid to take on the powers that be and to make her positions known no matter how unpopular,” stated Stewart. “Shirley Chisholm was a leader forged in the many battles for equality, an end to Jim Crowism, and for better economic opportunities for blacks and minorities.”

Jamaican American Councilmember, Yvette Clarke, said Chisholm's "political legacy can be found in the increased number of women representing and serving their communities in public office."

While State Senator John Sampson, who also claims Guyanese parentage, added, “America is a far better place than when she found it, and that is in no small measure to her profound influence on American life as a political leader and activist.”

Meanwhile, Congressman Gregory Meeks, whose sixth congressional district in New York is home to many Caribbeans, commented, “For generations to come, all of us will be measured by the standard Shirley Chisholm set. And each and every one of us who are the beneficiaries of the barriers she broke and the model of leadership that she molded will be honored to say that we stand on Shirley Chisholm's shoulders.”

And New York State Governor, George E. Pataki, said, "Congresswoman Chisholm was a true New Yorker who was never afraid to speak her mind and fight for the issues she cared about most."

President George Bush also expressed his condolences, calling Chisholm “… a fine lady, a pioneer in education and public service…”

Funeral arrangements for the former congresswoman, who died on Saturday, Jan 1 (2005) at age 80, are reportedly still being worked out, but a service in Florida could be held on Saturday, according to Miami Herald reports.