THE National Assembly, on Thursday, recognised the services of two long- standing Members of Parliament (MPs), Mr. Reepu Daman Persaud and Mr. Robert Corbin. A motion, in the name of Prime Minister and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Samuel Hinds and moved by Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee, honoured the long and exemplary service of the former MP and Minister, Pandit Persaud.
The honourable man, who dedicated 41 years membership to the House, served as a People’s Progressive Party (PPP) member and he was also congratulated for his sacrifice to Guyana and its people for decades and that he continues to do so beyond the walls of the Chamber, as a politician and a religious and cultural leader.
“The motion, in this regard, is, indeed, a true reflection of the spirit and honour that should be extended to a person who has dedicated his life and work to the people of Guyana, both inside these hallowed chambers and outside as well,” Rohee stated.
He said, with his wealth of experience and knowledge, Persaud is still contributing to the leadership of the party and “his sobering and calm temperament has always been useful in the leadership of the party and the Cabinet.
“The son of a humble indentured immigrant from India, Reepu Daman Persaud has made an indelible impact in all the struggles of this country and can be best known as a noble Guyanese son and patriot who has helped to bring our country to where it is,” Rohee attested.
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) MP, Dr. Rupert Roopnarine, in his contribution, also acknowledged  Persaud’s dedication and service and took note that, in addition to his political work in and out of Parliament, he has emerged as one of the most outstanding, consistent and diligent religious leaders in this country.
Alliance For Change (AFC) MP Valerie Garrido-Lowe said, as a political personality spanning over 50 years from the pre-independence era to present day, he “has, indeed, earned his place in the history of this country.”
She said many new parliamentarians have yet to learn about Persaud’s countless stellar contributions to Guyana, having come from humble circumstances and she alluded to his role in the formation of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, as testament to his care and love for his people and dedication and devotion towards their uplift.
True son
“He is a national leader in this country. The Alliance For Change is honoured to be part of this Assembly to honour this true son of Guyana’s soil,” Garrido-Lowe maintained.
During his period in Parliament, Persaud served as Chief Whip, Deputy Speaker, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Chairman of the Constitution Reform Select Committee and Leader of the House and, over a 14-year span, unstintingly, in high government office as Vice- President, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.
Another motion, moved by APNU MP Volda Lawrence, was also passed, recognising the 35-year contribution to the National Assembly of the Parliament and Guyana by the former Leader of the Opposition Robert Corbin.
“His humility, his indomitable strength in the face of adversity and challenge, his resolute calm in crisis, his leadership skills displayed over his years from his youth, his youthful and other experiences throughout Guyana and around the world, his religious orientation, his educational achievements, his vast knowledge of the history and development of both party and country and his political acumen have all served to fashion the Honourable Robert H.O. Corbin, former Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition of Guyana and the current Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform,” she outlined.
Lawrence said he has given distinguished public service for the past 47 years in various capacities, including as a teacher, a public servant, a youth leader, a professional social worker, a politician, a legislator, Minister of Government, Deputy Prime Minister and Acting President of Guyana.
Myriad ways
AFC MP Catherine Hughes, in paying tribute to Corbin for service to his country in myriad ways, pointed to the high quality of his debates in the House and, especially, as Leader of the Opposition.
“We congratulate him, especially for his stewardship, commitment and service to Guyana through those difficult times. We wish him continued good health, success in the future and in all his endeavours that he chooses to be associated with,” she offered.
Prime Minister Hinds, on behalf of the PPP/C and the Government, also joined in recognition of the contribution of the former MP to the House and the political life of the country over 40 years.
He said Corbin has, truly, been a career politician and “we recognise his steady progress within his party and, in parallel, his service in this House beginning in 1973” for the various portfolios he carried.
The motions were approved and, immediately after the sitting, the two honourees were, each, presented with a plaque and a token of appreciation (a replica of the Mace in the National Assembly) for their sterling contributions at a reception hosted in the MPs Lounge of Parliament Office.