Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and Chairman of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Aubrey Norton, has described the death of the party’s former leader, Robert Corbin, as an “irreplaceable loss”.

Corbin, a major figure in the PNCR, passed away at a city hospital today following a prolonged period of illness.

Norton told Ignite News that Corbin was the only party figure to serve as party leader, leader of its youth arm and Parliamentary Secretary, among other significant positions.

Corbin served as Leader of the PNCR from 2003 to 2012 and held the chairmanship for several years. He also attained the party’s leadership before going on to serve as Leader of the Opposition.

A parliamentary publication, “Recognising the Contribution to the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana by Former Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Robert ‘Hubert’ Orlando Corbin”, described him as an elected Member of Parliament for more than 36 years, serving from August 1973 to October 1997 and again from 2001 to 2011.

During his political career, Corbin held a number of ministerial portfolios, including Parliamentary Secretary for Cooperatives and National Mobilisation; Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Social Development and Culture; Minister of Youth, Sports and National Service; and Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, among others.

He also had the distinction of being sworn in and serving as Acting President of Guyana on one occasion.

The publication said Corbin gave distinguished public service as a teacher, public servant, youth leader, professional social worker, politician, legislator, Minister of Government, Deputy Prime Minister and member of the Guyana Elections Commission.

Norton also recognized Corbin’s contribution to coalition politics, crediting the former leader for the role he played in the formation of the APNU+AFC coalition.

Norton said the party is awaiting direction from Corbin’s family before announcing its upcoming events to commemorate the life and legacy of the former leader.

In a statement, the PNCR said it is “…saddened by the passing of its long-serving member, former National Chairman of the Young Socialist Movement (YSM), former General Secretary and Leader of the PNCR, Mr. Robert Herman Orlando Corbin, CCH, popularly called ‘RHO’.”

President Dr. Irfaan Ali also extended condolences to Corbin’s loved ones.

He said: “As a former Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Government and longstanding Member of Parliament, Mr. Corbin occupied a place of prominence in public life.

“At this time of profound loss, I extend my sincere condolences to Mr. Corbin’s family and loved ones, to the leadership and membership of the People’s National Congress, and to its supporters throughout Guyana and the diaspora.”