Tributes, condolences pour in for late Amerindian Affairs Minister

Guyana’s first Amerindian Affairs Minister, Vibert DeSouza, passed away at his home on Saturday and ever since the announcement there has been an outpour of tributes and condolences.

DeSouza served as the Amerindian Affairs Minister under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government in 1992. He was the first Minister to be assigned to that portfolio.
Prior to being appointed as a Government Minister, DeSouza served as Local Government and Regional Development Minister and as an entrepreneur.
He also worked at the Hand in Hand Insurance Company; as a cultural officer attached to the Agricultural & General Workers Union and a technician clerk, at the St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital.
Long-standing member of the PPP/C and former Government Minister Clement Rohee paid tribute to DeSouza, saying that the former Minister was a people’s cultural icon.
“While many today were either not born as yet, in their infancy or at school, Vibert had already started out his political career as a cultural activist of the PPP/C,” he explained.
According to Rohee, DeSouza was encouraged by founding leader of the PPP/C the late former President Cheddi Jagan to draw closer to the party to facilitate his ideological upbringing.
“Harry Persaud Nokta who served for a number of years as party organiser in the NWD (North West District) helped nurture Vibert and his two brother Marco and Deon,” he recalled.
Rohee said not only was his ability as a composer of revolutionary songs and guitar music reflecting the struggles of the Guyanese people held in high esteem, but he soon rose to prominence in the ranks of the PPP and the youth arm, Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO).
The former Minister composed the battle songs for the PYO ‘Forward with the PYO’ and for the WPO ‘Women Unite, Stand Up and Fight,’ He also composed the battle song of the sugar workers’ union ‘GAWU -The Union Makes Us Strong.’ His other musical compositions are ‘Forward Ever Backward Never,’ ‘Get on Board’ and many other people-centered songs.
Desouza has also served as a member of several organisations. He was President of Catholic Youth, Guyana (1969-1970); Member of Progressive Youth Organisation (1972-1982); Vice-president of Guyanese Organisation of Indigenous People, Guyana (1991-1992).
Former Amerindian Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett took to social media to express her condolences. Both DeSouza and Rodrigues-Birkett originates from Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini).
“I am saddened to learn of the death of Uncle Vibert De Souza, first Minister of Amerindian Affairs and fellow Morukan. As we give thanks for his life and service to Guyana, I also extend my deepest condolences to his wife Rita, his children, and relatives and loved ones,” she added.
Meanwhile, through a missive from the Department of Public Information (DPI), President David Granger extended heartfelt condolences at the passing of DeSouza.
DeSouza would have celebrated his 74th birth anniversary today.