Oct 15, 2026
3 min read
Tributes at the funeral of former People's National Congress (PNC) leader Robert Corbin on Thursday highlighted his service to young people, parliamentary experience and role in Guyana's political development.
PNC Leader Aubrey Norton, who grew up as Corbin's neighbour in Christianburg, Linden, recalled his leadership and commitment to the people.
"Today we celebrate the life of a man who trained many of us as Boy Scouts. We are grateful for the role he played in the lives of many young people. I have no fear in saying he impacted the youth positively," he said.
President Dr Irfaan Ali, speaking on behalf of the Government and the People's Progressive Party/Civic, described Corbin as a patriot whose contributions to parliamentary debate were consistently interesting. He said Corbin's almost three and a half decades in Parliament spanned the transition from extensive state control of the economy to market-oriented reforms and democratic change.
"The breadth of experience coupled with his intimate knowledge of Parliament made him one of the most sure and seasoned parliamentarians of his generation. His political acumen, however, does not seem to have paid off longevity and experience. It was forged through years of active engagement in the political work which he undertook for his party. To understand how he became such a seasoned parliamentarian, one must also appreciate the part by which he rose through the ranks of his party. Robert Corbin was in my estimation a self-made politician… Few could match his commitment to party and his government," he said.
Representing the Guyana Bar Association, Attorney Teni Housty highlighted Corbin's decision to enter the legal profession in 1989, after already establishing himself in public life.
"The journey of law says something about the importance of the man we mourn and honour today. He demonstrated humility in beginning something new. He showed dedication and persistence in continuing that journey. And he exhibited the quiet satisfaction that comes from completing an important chapter of one's life. His entry into the profession, the legal profession, is not an ending. It was another beginning," he said.
A tribute delivered on behalf of retired Major General Joseph Singh recalled a friendship spanning 60 years. He described Corbin as "a passionate patriot who gave his heart and soul to serving Guyana and the well-being of all Guyanese."