VETERAN Guyanese politician, historian and political activist, Eusi Kwayana, has died at the age of 101 in the United States.
Born Sydney Evanson King on April 4, 1925, Kwayana was a prominent figure in Guyana’s political development, with a career spanning more than eight decades.
A founder member of the Executive Committee of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Kwayana served as Minister of Communications and Works, before Britain suspended the constitution and reimposed direct colonial rule.
Following political divisions in the 1950s, he became associated with the People’s National Congress (PNC) under Forbes Burnham and later helped establish the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), where he worked alongside the late Dr Walter Rodney.
Kwayana was also instrumental in establishing the African Society for Cultural Relations with Independent Africa (ASCRIA) and remained an advocate for racial equality, democracy, social justice and national unity.
Meanwhile, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have expressed deep sorrow over his passing, describing him as a patriot, historian and towering figure in Guyana’s political and social development.
In a statement, the parties recognised his contributions to the country’s independence movement and political evolution, while highlighting his work as a writer and historian in preserving Guyana’s history for future generations.