-Drs Ali, Jagdeo highlight his dedication to public service
TRIBUTES are pouring in for former People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) leader and Opposition Leader Robert Herman Orlando Corbin, following news of his death on Sunday, October 4.
President, Dr Irfaan Ali, Vice-president Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall were among those who expressed condolences to Corbin’s family, friends and political colleagues.
Corbin, who was 78, was a long-standing member of parliament who served as a minister of government and deputy prime minister before becoming leader of the PNCR and leader of the opposition.
President Ali acknowledged Corbin’s significant place in Guyana’s public life, extending condolences to his family and loved ones, as well as the leadership, membership and supporters of the PNCR in Guyana and the diaspora.
“May his family, colleagues and supporters find strength and comfort in the memories of his life and service, and may his soul rest in eternal peace,” President Ali wrote.
Dr Jagdeo also reflected on Corbin’s lengthy political career and his contributions to the PNCR and to national life. He noted that despite their political differences, the two maintained a cordial and respectful relationship and engaged on matters of national importance during Jagdeo’s presidency.
“Mr Corbin devoted much of his life to public service and to the PNCR. He served Guyana in Parliament for many years, held ministerial office, served as deputy prime minister and later as leader of the opposition. He also pursued a career in law,” the vice president said adding:
“During my presidency, on numerous occasions, Mr Corbin and I engaged on matters of national importance. Though we represented opposing political parties, our relationship was cordial and respectful. Even through difficult and turbulent periods in our country’s life, we maintained the ability to speak with one another, a respect that continued beyond our time in office.”
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, described Corbin as one of the longest-serving members of the National Assembly and recalled his reputation as an able parliamentarian who commanded the attention of both sides of the House.
Corbin also pursued a career in law, becoming an attorney-at-law while remaining active in politics.
Nandlall noted that his daughter, Justice Fidela Corbin, studied law alongside him for several years, while Corbin himself entered the Hugh Wooding Law School during the period Nandlall was completing his final year.
The attorney general extended condolences to Corbin’s wife, Carol, his daughter Justice Fidela Corbin, her siblings, relatives, friends and supporters.
The PNCR and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) are also mourning Corbin, describing his death as an irreplaceable loss to the party.
“Although we were from opposing political sides, we shared a healthy and respectful relationship and had many common friends and clients. He was a most able speaker in the National Assembly who commanded the attention of both sides of the House whenever he took the floor. Many years of his life were dedicated to serving the people of Guyana, his party and its supporters,” the attorney general said.
Corbin served the PNCR in several senior positions, including National Chairman of the Young Socialist Movement, general secretary and leader. He was also credited by the party with promoting coalition politics, which eventually contributed to the formation of the APNU+AFC coalition and its victory at the 2015 General and Regional Elections.
He remained involved with the party even during his illness and continued to provide advice to its leadership.
Corbin’s political career spanned several decades and included service as parliamentary secretary, minister and deputy prime minister, as well as leader of the opposition. His death has prompted tributes from across the political divide, with his contemporaries highlighting his contributions to public service and Guyana’s political life.
