Another patriot and dedicated fighter in Guyana’s struggle for independence has passed on leaving just a few from his era around now.

Brindley Horatio Benn coming from humble beginnings like so many of his contemporaries and comrades in the political arena was heavily influenced by the legendary Dr Cheddi Jagan, who initiated the battle for the independence of Guyana and the betterment of the working class.

He along with other political giants who emerged out of that epoch of the anti-colonial struggle, including Ashton Chase, E. M.G Wilson, C.V Nunes, Boysie Ramkarran and a host of others, attracted and influenced by the young anti-colonialist “fire brand” and eventually sharing his vision for the development of an independent country.

And so Mr. Benn became a member of the PPP’s long list of distinguished soldiers who gave yeoman service to both party and government with selfless devotion and commitment – a characteristic of those who genuinely believed and practiced the principles for which Dr Jagan stood for.

As a result of his hard work he steadily rose up the ranks of the party eventually becoming its chairman. He was also the first head of the Pioneer Youth League – the forerunner of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) which is the youth arm of the PPP.

Serving in governments under the PPP as education (1957-1961) and agriculture minister (1961-1963), Mr. Benn performed with distinction and was instrumental in the establishment and oversight of several major projects in this country. These include the Guyana School of Agriculture in 1963; the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary (MMA), Boerasirie Scheme, Tapacuma Scheme; Black Bush Polder.

However, inevitably like so many of his comrades Mr. Benn became of British repression and was incarcerated in 1964 at the infamous Sibley Hall at Mazaruni Prisons until 1965.

This did not deter his political vigour but rather he continued throughout his life to be engaged in the political struggle for a better Guyana, even though for a short period he had some differences with the PPP and set up his own party the Working people’s Vanguard party (WPVP). It should be noted though that during this period he never attacked or criticised the PPP, because maybe his differences were not of a fundamental nature but merely had to do with political strategy and tactics.

And so when the PPP returned to government in 1992 it was not surprising that he was appointed High Commissioner to Canada where he served until his retirement from public office.

Mr. Benn has indeed carved an indelible imprint on the political landscape of this country and will always be remembered for his courageous, selfless and devoted struggle in the cause for a society that is characterised by economic prosperity and progress, justice and peace.

On a personal level he will be remembered for being a fiery orator and a fierce debater, never shying away from an argument, especially when his party came under unfair or unjustified attacks. He was also an optimist and seemed always full of energy, even in his latter years.

Mr. Benn passing on indeed represents the sad loss of a patriot who has made his fair contribution in the struggle to make this country a better one.

Our country will certainly become a better one if our younger citizens could try to emulate the ilk of Mr. Benn as they prepare their future which inextricably linked to the future of this wonderful country.