Jagdeo reflects on “cordial and respectful” relationship with late Robert Corbin

Reflecting on his relationship with the now late Robert Corbin, Guyana’s incumbent PPPC vice president Bharrat Jagdeo, who, when he was president, had often met with the former opposition PNCR leader, said there were open communication lines between them.

“Even through difficult and turbulent periods in our country’s life, we maintained the ability to speak with one another, a respect that continued beyond our time in office,” Mr Jagdeo said in tribute to Mr Corbin, who passed away at the age of 79 on Sunday after a prolonged illness.

Mr Corbin served as PNCR chairman from 2000 and was party leader from 2002 to 2012, while Mr Jagdeo was President of Guyana.

That period was characterised by political unrests and gang violence, including the killing of a government minister and two massacres in Lusignan and Bartica, from 2002 to 2008.

Mr Jagdeo, now Guyana’s Second Vice President and General Secretary of the governing People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC), recalled that during his presidency, on numerous occasions Mr Corbin and he engaged on matters of national importance.

“Though we represented opposing political parties, our relationship was cordial and respectful,” said Mr Jagdeo, considered Guyana’s most powerful politician.

During the Jagdeo-Corbin era, the government and opposition had agreed to and passed legislation to allow for representatives of lists of candidates to recall parliamentarians.

Mr Jagdeo said he was deeply saddened at the passing of Mr Corbin who devoted much of his life to public service and to the PNC/R.

He said he served Guyana in Parliament for many years, held ministerial office, was a deputy prime minister and later as Leader of the Opposition. He also pursued a career in law.

Meanwhile, President Irfaan Ali called Mr Corbin a “political stalwart”  who “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.

May his family, colleagues and supporters find strength and comfort in the memories of his life and service, and may his soul rest in eternal peace,” Dr Ali said.