REMEMBERING ROBERT CORBIN: A LIFE OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND POLITICAL LEADERSHIP IN GUYANA

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA | OCTOBER 15, 2026 — Guyana remembers the life and political career of Robert Herman Orlando Corbin, former Leader of the Opposition and longtime leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), who passed away on October 4, 2026, at the age of 78.

Born on February 15, 1948, in Linden, then British Guiana, Corbin devoted much of his life to public service, politics and the legal profession. His career spanned more than five decades, during which he served as a parliamentarian, government minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition.

Before entering national politics, Corbin worked with the Youth Ministry of the Presbyterian Church and pursued studies in social work and law at the University of Guyana and the Hugh Wooding Law School. He worked as a social worker between 1966 and 1977, a period during which he became involved in the Young Socialist Movement, the youth arm of the People’s National Congress.

Corbin was first elected to Guyana’s National Assembly in 1973, beginning a parliamentary career that would establish him as a prominent figure in the country’s political history. Over the years, he held several senior positions within the PNC, including General Secretary, Senior Vice Chairman and Chairman.

During his years in government, Corbin served in several ministerial portfolios and held the office of Deputy Prime Minister from 1985 to 1992.

Following the death of former President and Opposition Leader Desmond Hoyte in December 2002, Corbin assumed leadership of the PNC and became Guyana’s Leader of the Opposition. He was formally selected to lead the party in February 2003.

His leadership came during a significant period in Guyana’s political development, marked by electoral competition, internal party challenges and debates over the future direction of the opposition.

Following the 2006 general election, Corbin faced questions about his leadership within the party. However, he retained his position after prospective challengers withdrew from the leadership contest.

He continued serving as Opposition Leader until 2012, when David Granger succeeded him as party leader.

Beyond politics, Corbin was an attorney-at-law and continued practicing law after leaving frontline political leadership. He was also a husband and father of five children.

His passing marks the loss of a political figure whose career extended across several important periods in Guyana’s post-independence history, from the PNC’s years in government to its subsequent decades in opposition.

Robert Herman Orlando Corbin leaves behind a substantial record of parliamentary service, political leadership and involvement in Guyana’s public affairs.

As Guyana reflects on his life, his contributions remain part of the country’s political history and the evolution of its parliamentary democracy.

Robert Herman Orlando Corbin | February 15, 1948 – October 4, 2026