Mark Benschop has remembered former People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) leader Robert Corbin as more than a veteran politician, describing him as a lawyer, supporter and friend who stood beside him during one of the most difficult chapters of his life.
Speaking on his programme, “Straight Up With Mark Benschop,” last evening, Benschop reflected emotionally on Corbin’s role during his treason case and the relationship they maintained despite their political and personal differences.
The Treason Case
Benschop was charged with treason following the July 2002 protest at the Office of the President. He denied involvement in any attempt to overthrow the Government.
His first trial ended in a hung jury in 2004, and he remained imprisoned, in solitary confinement, until then President Bharrat Jagdeo granted him an unconditional pardon in August 2007.
At the time of Benschop’s arrest, Corbin was Chairman of the PNCR, while Desmond Hoyte was party leader. Corbin was among Benschop’s original lawyers, alongside Senior Counsel Hoyte.
Following Hoyte’s death in December 2002, Corbin assumed leadership of the PNCR, was elected in February 2003 and remained leader until 2012.
‘There Will Be No Apology’
Benschop recalled one particularly difficult period when efforts were being made to secure his release. He said Russell Williams told him that Corbin and others had met with then President Jagdeo about the matter and that an apology was being sought.
Benschop refused.
“I said, there will be no apology. I looked in Mr. Corbin’s eyes and I said there will be no apology, none whatsoever, with all due respect.”
He said he saw sadness in Corbin’s eyes but believed Corbin understood the firmness of his position.
“I knew that on that day, it was basically to secure my release,” Benschop said, stressing that he had maintained his position respectfully.
For Benschop, the episode illustrated the complexity of their relationship. They did not always agree, and Corbin knew his views.
“There were times when I don’t necessarily agree with everything Mr. Corbin did, and he knew how I felt.”
But those differences, Benschop said, never erased Corbin’s support.
“But at all times, Mr. Corbin ensured that regardless of what, during the struggle, he has always been there, and he has always, for the most part, been supportive as well.”
‘That’s the Robert Corbin I Want to Remember’
“And so that’s the Robert Corbin that I want to remember,” he said.
Corbin, who died on October 4 at age 78, was a major figure in Guyana’s political history. His political career stretched from the Forbes Burnham era through the leadership of Desmond Hoyte and into the turbulent political years of the early 2000s.
He entered Parliament in 1973 and went on to serve as PNC General Secretary, Chairman and Leader. He also served as Deputy Prime Minister between 1985 and 1992.
But for Benschop, Corbin’s legacy was deeply personal.
He recalled that their last conversation, although not recent, ended with both men smiling and joking about the possibility that they might even have been related.
“Everybody, almost everybody, is somebody,” Benschop recalled.
As Guyana mourns Corbin, Benschop chose to remember not simply the politician and party leader, but the man who stood beside him through years of uncertainty, imprisonment and legal battles.
Their relationship was not defined by agreement on everything. Instead, Benschop remembered a man who could disagree with him, understand his convictions and still remain supportive.
“That’s the Robert Corbin that I want to remember.”
