The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) has paid tribute to former People’s National Congress (PNC) leader Robert Corbin, describing him as one of the principal architects of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and a political leader who was prepared to put national unity ahead of narrow partisan interests.
Read the statement issued by the Working People’s Alliance (WPA):
WPA joins the rest of Guyana in mourning the death of former PNC leader, Robert Corbin. Although we know that he had been ailing for some time, his passing still comes as a shock to us. He was the PNC leader that the WPA worked closest with. Hence, we came to know him very well,
We remember him chief as one of the architects of the APNU. He led the PNC delegations during the talks and negotiations with the WPA that eventually led to the birth of the partnership, He displayed tremendous political courage when he decided to engage the WPA, the then arch9enemy of the PNC. We later found out that this was driven by a commitment to power sharing, national unity, and political pragmatism. He was, therefore, an impactful leader, who at a critical historical juncture placed cause and the collective good above narrow partisan interests. In this regard, WPA was disappointed that his immense political skills were not properly utilized by the APNU-AFC government.
Mr. Corbin was a shrewd and fierce negotiator but was respectful to the WPA and other parties. If he was afflicted by the Big Party-Small Party syndrome, he never displayed it. That the APNU was broadened to include other so-called small parties, is testimony to his commitment to inclusion as genuine praxis. Mr. Corbin leaves us at a time when Guyana’s politics is bereft of the civility that guided his attitude during the period in question.
We extend condolences to his family and close associates. We also extend our sympathy to the PNC. May his legacy eventually find its rightful place in the veins of our country’s body politic.
