THE National Assembly today paid tributes to former Members of Parliament, Everall Franklin, Robert Williams and Sheila Holder, by way of motions, placing on record the House’s profound grief at their passing. Everall Franklin
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) member, Deborah Backer, in memory of Franklin, who died on November 30, 2011, at the age of 62, moved the motion.
His committed and meritorious service to the National Assembly from September 2006 until the dissolution of the Ninth Parliament in September 2011 was lauded by his colleagues.
Backer recalled that Franklin had a keen interest in and great knowledge of politics and always held the view that the tug-of-war between the two political giants, the People’s Progressive Party and the People’s National Congress, is much to the detriment of the Guyanese populace.
Speaking on behalf of the Government, PPP/C MP, Manzoor Nadir said that Franklin was a politician who was committed to working in the best interest of Guyana. He also shared a few recollections of the late MP when he was alive.
Meanwhile, Alliance for Change (AFC) member, Kathy Hughes, also shared her recollections of the GAP/ROAR member, whom she met 17 years ago.

Robert Williams
The motion in memory of Robert Williams was moved by APNU member Basil Williams, who remembered the Former Deputy Mayor as a “pleasant individual” and a “people’s person”, qualities which led to him being involved in many mass-based organizations.
Williams was born on November 18, 1949, at Manchester Village, Corentyne. He joined the Guyana Police Force in 1970, was soon promoted to the rank of sergeant, and was voted best overall policeman.
In 1976, he was appointed Regional Chairman under the then PNC Administration; in 1980 he became a minister of government with responsibility for the Ministry of Fisheries in the agriculture sector, until 1983.
AFC member, Moses Nagamootoo said that Williams became the pride of the community from which they both hailed and shared many fond recollections from their youthful days.
PPP/C MP Joseph Hamilton recalled working with Williams at the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown, as well as on many committees. The Former Deputy Mayor died on January 30, 2012.

Sheila Holder
Sheila Agnes Valerie Holder, who died on November 20, 2011, was remembered by her colleague Khemraj Ramjattan for her public service to the people of Guyana and her fervent advocacy of consumer rights.
She was born on February 7, 1946, and was the eldest of three siblings. Ramjattan stated that Holder saw her mandate as improving the moral standing of political discourse in Guyana.
PPP/C member Indra Chandarpal recalled that Holder spoke on 92 issues during her tenure in the National Assembly and asked a number of questions. She remembered her as a dependable MP, who was always willing to step out of the Opposition block from time to time in the interest of the Guyanese people.
“She always carried herself with dignity and decorum…the National Assembly has lost a valuable member, women of Guyana have lost a good role model, and the country has lost a true patriot,” Chandarpal said.
Similar sentiments were expressed by APNU member Africo Selman who said that Holder was an outstanding politician who worked tirelessly to promote change in Guyana.
Holder was sworn in as a member of the Eighth Parliament in 2001. In the lead-up to the 2011 General and Regional Elections, she was elected by her party as the Prime Ministerial candidate, a position she had to relinquish as a result of her illness to which she succumbed. (GINA)