THE contributions of the late former Minister of Amerindian Affairs Francis Vibert De Souza must be recognised since he was an active participant in ensuring the rights, customs and traditions of the indigenous peoples were upheld.

This is according to Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock. De Souza passed away on Saturday night after complaining of feeling unwell. He was 73 years old.

According to a statement released by the ministry, Minister Allicock noted that De Souza “has made great contributions to our society in the many hats he wore in his professional careers. We are grateful to have had the influences of Mr. De Souza, a brother of the soil and we share our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time”.

Reminiscing on his life as an indigenous son of the soil, Allicock said he was afforded the opportunity of representing the Indigenous Peoples in India alongside De Souza. He said that the particular assignment proved live-changing when the aircraft they were in, started descending rapidly. He said this experience seemed to be exceptionally long when it reality it lasted for about a minute. The minister said “he was always so joyful, forward thinking and forward planning’.

De Souza hailed from Moruca, North West District and served as Minister of Amerindian Affairs from 1992-2001 and he was also an avid musician. He also served as a member of Progressive Youth Organisation, Vice-President of the Guyanese Organisation of Indigenous Peoples, a member of the Agricultural & General Workers Union, entrepreneur, and Minister of Public Works, Community and Regional Development.