Robert Herman Orlando Corbin, former Chairman and Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has died.
Corbin died on Sunday at the Georgetown Public Hospital. He was 78-year-old.
The People’s National Congress Reform and A Partnership for National Unity have announced the death of Robert Herman Orlando Corbin, CCH, the former PNCR leader and Guyana’s former Leader of the Opposition. Corbin, widely known as “RHO,” was remembered by his party as a disciplined political organiser, coalition advocate and longtime public servant.
In a statement, the PNCR and APNU said Corbin had served the party over many years, beginning with his work as National Chairman of the Young Socialist Movement (YSM).
He later held several senior political and governmental positions, including Parliamentary Secretary, minister, Deputy Prime Minister, General Secretary and Leader of the PNCR, as well as Leader of the Opposition.
The party described him as an “astute, loyal, disciplined and hardworking” member whose contributions extended across both party leadership and national public service.
Corbin was particularly recognised for promoting coalition politics within the PNCR. The party credited him with helping steer the organisation toward the alliances that ultimately led to the APNU+AFC coalition’s 2015 electoral victory.
That role formed a major part of his political legacy, according to the statement, which characterised him as a shrewd strategist with a strong commitment to building political partnerships.
Outside active politics, Corbin pursued a professional career in law while continuing his service to the PNCR.
The party said that even during illness, he remained engaged and continued to offer advice to the organisation. His death was described as an “irreplaceable loss” to the PNCR.
The PNCR and APNU extended condolences to Corbin’s wife, Carol; his children; other relatives; colleagues; and friends.
“May his soul rest in peace as we continue to benefit from his lasting contributions to our Party and Guyana.”
President Irfaan Ali also extended condolences to the family and loved ones and by extension the leadership and membership of the People’s National Congress, and to its supporters throughout Guyana and the diaspora.
Ali in his post lauded Corbin, as a political stalwart and former Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform.
Ali said as a former Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Government and longstanding Member of Parliament, Corbin occupied a place of prominence in public life.
