From Ian G. Hall
President, Guyanese United
On behalf of Guyanese United, and on my own behalf, I extend sincere condolences to the family, relatives, friends, colleagues and associates of Mr. Robert Herman Orlando Corbin, CCH, former Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform and former Leader of the Opposition, on his passing.
Robert Corbin devoted much of his life to Guyana and to public service. His journey took him from community and social work into the National Assembly, ministerial office, the Deputy Prime Ministership, leadership of his political party, leadership of the parliamentary opposition, and the legal profession.
Whatever one’s political affiliation, a life spent for decades in the public arena deserves acknowledgement. Politics by its nature produces disagreement, contest and sometimes deep division. Yet nations are built in part by men and women who are prepared to enter that difficult arena, defend their convictions and accept the considerable responsibilities that come with public office.
Robert Corbin was one such Guyanese.
His political career spanned generations and several important periods in Guyana’s development. He witnessed the country through profound political, economic and social change and occupied positions that placed him close to many of the consequential events and decisions of those years.
His service in the National Assembly was particularly significant. Parliament is where competing visions of our country must ultimately confront one another through debate, persuasion and constitutional process. Mr. Corbin spent decades within that institution, first on the government benches and later in opposition, eventually assuming the responsibility of Leader of the Opposition.
He also demonstrated that public life need not mark the end of personal development. While carrying the demands of politics and parliamentary service, he pursued his legal education, earning his Bachelor of Laws degree and subsequently qualifying as an attorney-at-law.
There is something important in that example, particularly for younger Guyanese. Education, service and personal growth need not occur in separate chapters of life. We can continue to learn, develop and contribute regardless of age or circumstance.
Robert Corbin’s political life was unquestionably associated with the People’s National Congress and later the People’s National Congress Reform. He served the organisation at virtually every level, from its youth movement to its highest leadership. But death provides an occasion to look beyond the boundaries of party and consider the larger contribution of a citizen to his country.
Guyana’s political history cannot be written honestly without recording Robert Corbin’s place within it.
Our nation has always been strongest when political disagreement does not prevent us from recognising our common Guyanese identity. We may differ profoundly in our philosophies, our interpretation of history and our ideas about the direction our country should take. Those differences should never prevent us from acknowledging service, respecting humanity and extending compassion to a family experiencing loss.
To his wife, Carol, his children and the entire Corbin family, I extend heartfelt sympathy. The public knew Robert Corbin as a politician, parliamentarian, attorney and national figure. You knew him in the far more personal roles of husband, father, relative and friend. Your loss therefore reaches far beyond the public figure remembered by the nation.
May you find comfort in the knowledge that his name and contribution have become part of Guyana’s recorded history.
As Guyanese at home and throughout the diaspora reflect upon his passing, may we also remember that our country belongs to all of us. Political administrations change. Leaders come and go. What remains is Guyana and our collective responsibility to leave it stronger, more united and more hopeful for those who follow.
Robert Herman Orlando Corbin has completed his journey of public service.
May his family find strength during this period of mourning.
May his contribution to Guyana be remembered with fairness and respect.
And may his soul rest in eternal peace.
Ian G. Hall
President
Guyanese United
