People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Leader Aubrey Norton has remembered former party leader Robert Herman Orlando Corbin as a mentor who shaped generations of young political activists, promoted coalition politics and believed in resolving national problems through dialogue. Corbin passed on October 4 at 78.
Delivering a tribute at Corbin’s funeral service on Thursday, Norton reflected on their shared upbringing in Christianburg, Linden, where Corbin was his immediate neighbour and Sunday school teacher at St. Matthew’s Scottish Church.
Norton said Corbin’s contribution to the church was often overlooked in tributes, adding that his early involvement in religious life had once led him to believe that Corbin might become a priest.
He also credited Corbin with playing a significant role in developing young people through the Young Socialist Movement (YSM), the PNC’s youth arm, which he said became one of the country’s strongest youth organisations during that period.
“We are grateful for the role he played in the lives of so many young people. I have no fear in saying that he impacted the youth positively,” Norton said.
Known affectionately within the movement as “RHO” and “Three,” Corbin rose through the ranks of the party, serving as chairman of the YSM before becoming general secretary, chairman and leader of the PNC.
Norton recalled that Corbin also served as parliamentary secretary, minister and deputy prime minister in successive PNC governments, with his first ministerial appointment coming on April 1, 1977.
He described Corbin’s lengthy service to the party as evidence of his discipline, hard work, loyalty and resilience, and said his contribution to political youth development remained a defining part of his legacy.
Norton also highlighted Corbin’s early involvement in political discussions between the PNC and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), arguing that those experiences helped shape his belief that coalition politics was necessary for Guyana.
He recalled that Corbin supported the introduction of presidential primaries within the party following internal discussions ahead of the 2011 general and regional elections.
Norton said that decision remained one of Corbin’s important legacies and declared that the PNCR would hold presidential primaries to determine its next presidential candidate.
Corbin’s commitment to coalition politics also informed his involvement in constructive engagement with the PPP, Norton said. Although the proposals arising from that process were not implemented, he argued that the initiative reflected Corbin’s belief in collectively addressing Guyana’s challenges.
Norton further recalled Corbin’s contribution to regional governance during his tenure as Leader of the Opposition, including efforts to secure a role for opposition leaders in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) integration process.
He said the participation of opposition parties in regional decision-making remained relevant and called for the reactivation of mechanisms that would allow them to contribute to Caribbean integration.
Beyond his political accomplishments, Norton remembered Corbin as a leader who could persuade others through patience rather than confrontation. He recounted an incident involving young YSM members who resisted working on Good Friday after materials for an agricultural project arrived late.
According to Norton, Corbin used a story from his church experience about rescuing a lamb on the Sabbath to explain why the work should proceed. The young activists ultimately agreed to work.
Norton acknowledged that Corbin was not without shortcomings, describing loyalty as both one of his strengths and one of his weaknesses. Nevertheless, he said Corbin remained committed to those he served and was an influential mentor.
“In politics, there are many disagreements. We had a few. However, RHO disagreed respectfully,” Norton said.
He also shared what he described as one of his final conversations with Corbin, who reminded him that leadership required difficult decisions and responsibilities.
Norton thanked Corbin’s family for sharing him with the party and the country, and extended condolences to his relatives, friends and supporters.
“For us, Robert Corbin was loyal. For us, he was hardworking. For us, RHO was a mentor. For us, he was the ideal PNC person.”
He concluded: “Sweet sleep, my comrade, RHO Corbin.”
