(Kaieteur News) – Robert Herman Orlando Corbin, CCH, former Leader of the Opposition, former Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), and former Deputy Prime Minister, has passed away, prompting widespread tributes across Guyana’s political spectrum.
Corbin had been ailing for some time before his death.
In an official statement published on its Facebook page, the PNCR and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) expressed sadness over the passing of its long-serving member, describing his death as an “irreplaceable loss.”
Robert Herman Orlando Corbin, CCH
The party highlighted Corbin’s long history within the movement, rising from National Chairman of the Young Socialist Movement (YSM) to General Secretary and eventually leader of the PNCR and opposition leader.
“Comrade Corbin served the PNCR and Guyana with distinction as parliamentary secretary, minister and deputy prime minister,” the statement read. “He was an astute, loyal, disciplined and hardworking member of the PNCR.”
The PNCR also credited Corbin as an avid promoter of coalition politics, noting that his groundwork was pivotal in leading the party into the arrangement that eventually resulted in the 2015 APNU+AFC coalition victory.
In addition to his political role, the party noted that Corbin maintained a professional career in law, becoming an attorney-at-law while continuing to serve the PNCR. The party stated that even during his period of illness, he continued to offer guidance and advice.
The party extended condolences to his wife, Carol, his children, relatives, colleagues, and friends.
Meanwhile, the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) joined in mourning Corbin, recalling him as the PNCR leader with whom they worked most closely.
The WPA remembered Corbin as one of the chief architects of APNU, leading the PNCR delegations during negotiations with the WPA that brought the partnership into existence.
“He displayed tremendous political courage when he decided to engage the WPA, the then archenemy of the PNC,” the WPA stated, noting that his approach was driven by commitment to power-sharing, national unity, and political pragmatism. “He was, therefore, an impactful leader, who at a critical historical juncture placed cause and the collective good above narrow partisan interests.”
The WPA expressed disappointment that his political skills were not utilised by the subsequent APNU+AFC government, while praising him as a shrewd, fierce negotiator who treated smaller parties with respect and maintained a commitment to inclusion as genuine praxis. The WPA noted his passing comes at a time when national politics is “bereft of the civility that guided his attitude.”
Government leaders also issued formal statements expressing condolences.
President Irfaan Ali recognised Corbin as a political stalwart and former PNCR leader who occupied a place of prominence in public life through his roles as deputy prime minister, minister, and longstanding member of parliament. President Ali extended condolences to Corbin’s family, loved ones, PNCR leadership, membership, and supporters throughout Guyana and the diaspora.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips extended condolences on behalf of the government to Corbin’s family, loved ones, and the leadership and membership of the PNCR, recognising his decades of service as deputy prime minister, minister of government, and member of parliament.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo noted Corbin’s decades of public service, parliamentary tenure, ministerial roles, and legal career. Vice President Jagdeo recalled engaging with Corbin on numerous matters of national importance during his presidency.
“Though we represented opposing political parties, our relationship was cordial and respectful,” Vice President Jagdeo said. “Even through difficult and turbulent periods in our country’s life, we maintained the ability to speak with one another, a respect that continued beyond our time in office.”
Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed offered condolences, sharing that he had known Corbin since childhood while growing up in Republic Park. Mohamed called Corbin’s passing a tremendous loss to the country, noting that he dedicated most of his adult life to public service and Guyana’s national development.
Source: Kaieteur News
