…says former PNCR leader’s legacy of local government reform must live on
(Kaieteur News) – The Georgetown Mayor and City Council will explore naming a street after late former People’s National Congress (PNC) leader and attorney Robert Corbin, as well as establishing an annual youth award in his honour.
Mayor Alfred Mentore made the announcement on Monday evening while addressing Corbin’s family, friends and comrades at his wake at Congress Place, Sophia.
Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Moore
Mentore said the council should find ways to ensure Corbin’s contribution to Guyana is remembered, particularly his work in local government and his relationship with young people.
“At the level of the council, I would implore my councilors to look at some kind of civic arrangement that we could put in place for the late Robert Herman Orlando Corbin,” the mayor said.
He added: “Even with the naming of a street after Mr. Corbin, it is something that we will do at the level of the council to ensure that we can remember the name Robert Orlando Corbin.”
Corbin, who held several senior positions in government, including minister and prime minister, died on October 10. He also served as leader of the opposition and head of the PNC. He was a prominent figure in Guyana’s political landscape and advocated for stronger local government and greater autonomy for municipalities.
Corbin’s daughter, Justice Fidela Corbin interacts with supporters during the wake.
Reflecting on Corbin’s work, Mentore said the former political leader played an important role in shaping legislation affecting local authorities, including the Georgetown City Council.
He recalled Corbin’s involvement in matters relating to local government administration and the transfer of funds to municipalities, noting that his advocacy remained relevant.
The mayor said despite legislation being passed to support local authorities, the council still faces difficulties obtaining resources from central government.
“Even as we stand now, even though those bills became acts or those bills became law, the government still frustrates the council to not provide those resources,” Mentore said.
He pledged that the council would continue to press for the issues Corbin championed to be addressed.
A section of the gathering at the event Monday evening.
Mentore also proposed an annual award to recognise young people in communities, pointing to Corbin’s connection with youth and his work with communities across the country.
“I’m also of the view that we need to look at matters as it relates to some kind of youth award, some initiative of the council where on a yearly basis we can look at people in the various communities and award those persons,” he said.
He urged young people to learn more about Corbin and other political figures who helped shape Guyana’s history, encouraging them to read and form their own views about their contributions.
Mentore also pointed to Corbin’s record on political and electoral reform, saying there were lessons to be learnt from his approach to advocacy as the country continues to debate reforms to the electoral system and the voters’ list.
The mayor’s remarks suggest that the proposed street naming and youth award will have to be explored at the council level before any formal arrangements are confirmed.
Source: Kaieteur News
