As Guyana reflects on the life and contributions of former PNCR Leader Robert Herman Orlando Corbin, who passed away on October 4, 2026, Dr. Henry Jeffrey revisits Corbin’s contribution to Guyana’s political and national development. Among the documents being highlighted, below, is Corbin’s 2003 address to the nation and the April 2003 “Constructive Engagement” agreement with then President Bharrat Jagdeo, which outlined proposals for political dialogue, democratic reform, equitable development and greater inclusion.
Part 1. ‘The future is now: bad governance!’
ADDRESS TO THE NATION BY MR. ROBERT H. O. CORBIN, M.P. LEADER OF THE PNCR on 17th August 2003
‘Fellow Guyanese: On 6th May 2003 last, many Guyanese breathed a sigh of relief and there was a new mood of optimism and expectancy when President Jagdeo and I finally signed the Communique that brought an end to the long political impasse. …
During that period the economic crisis continued and was characterized by the spiraling cost of living; unemployment; the closure of major businesses; rising levels of poverty; the flight of capital and Guyanese entrepreneurs and the decline of the social and economic conditions in many depressed and marginalized communities. Young people continued to lose hope in the future of our country. …
The frightening security situation witnessed a significant increase in violent crimes, murder, kidnapping, daring robberies, gangland style executions, and finally the shooting and killing of our policemen. This situation was preceded by other troubling developments such as the years of unabated extra judicial killings of hundreds of young people who were exterminated by the Black Clothes and other out-of-control elements in the Guyana Police Force and a highly suspicious and unexplained jailbreak by dangerous criminals.…
My Party and I contended then, as we do now, that the economic crisis was not a result of the political impasse, but a direct result of ill thought out, lopsided, incoherent and discriminatory policies. In short, bad governance…’
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‘Constructive Engagement’
Meeting between Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, President of the Republic of Guyana and Mr. Robert Corbin, MP, the Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform on the
April 16th, 2003, at the Office of the President.
The President and Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform met at the Office of the President on April 16, 2003, and discussed a number of issues of national importance. Accordingly, all of the issues in question were discussed in an atmosphere of seriousness born of the recognition that there must be a determination to find solutions to them. Both parties understand that these issues go to the heart of Guyana’s socio development and must be urgently solved. They concluded that a ‘constructive engagement’ between the two Leaders can lead to timely resolution of difficulties and thus be of tremendous benefit to the political and economic development of Guyana. The Parties have therefore agreed to the following decisions.
Appointment of the Seven new Standing Committees of the National Assembly
The Parliamentary Management Committee:
President Jagdeo and the Leader of the PNCR have agreed to the composition and the appointment of the Parliamentary Management Committee. Accordingly, they took note of the fact that the Parties have named their representatives to this Committee and that a Motion has been placed on the Order Paper of the National Assembly. This Motion will be moved and debated at the next sitting of the National Assembly.
The Four Sector Committees:
The two Leaders had discussions and agreed on the composition and functioning of these Committees. They agreed that they are important to the effective functioning of Parliament, the overall democratic system, and the potential for the positive effect on the national economy, that their composition should not be delayed but should be agreed to with a minimum of delay. They took account of the fact that the PNCR has already submitted the names of its representatives to these Committees.
The two Leaders also noted that the Terms of Reference (TOR) for their appointment and composition of these Committees have been accepted by the representatives of the government, pending agreement on the question of non-Ministerial representation on the Committees.
1.1.2.2 Allocation of Ministerial Responsibilities on the four
Sector Committees:
The two Leaders reached agreement on the allocation of responsibilities on the Ministers of government on the Four Sector Committees. They further agreed that with the allocation of Ministerial responsibilities on these Committees, in conjunction with the appointment of representatives of other parties to the Committees, the ground will be lead for their effective functioning, given the expected understanding, mutual respect, national orientation and mature consideration in the context of the various issues that will be presented before the respective Committees.
Appointments Committee:
The two Leaders have agreed to the appointment of an Appointments Committee. They regard this as an important step as it is necessary that the Service Commissions be established so that important Public Service Appointments can be effected, including and especially that of a new Commissioner of Police.
1.1.3.2 Constitutional Reform Committee:
The names of the representatives of this Committee, having been agreed, the two Leaders stated their views that it can play an important role in the acceleration of the constitutional reform process, which is necessary for the strengthening and deepened of the democratic process in Guyana.
