Tributes pour in for Horace James
─ hailed as a patriot
─ remembered for his selfless contribution to the development of Linden
─ Lindeners urged to emulate his qualities
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, February 9, 2019
Scores of Lindeners, government and regional officials, turned up to the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground on Saturday, to say their final goodbyes to a man described as a son of the soil and a true catalyst for development and someone who fought tirelessly for the advancement of people.
Joining his relatives, friends and colleagues were Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Basil Williams S.C., Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Keith Scott, former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, former PNC/R Leader Robert Corbin and a number of regional officials.
It was acknowledged that James’ indefatigable legacy must live on and Lindeners were urged to take a page out of his book of humility, generosity, professionalism, voluntarism and activism and unite for the better good of the township.
Minister Keith Scott, who brought a message of condolence on behalf of President David Granger and the entire government, noted that James had made significant contributions toward the development of the mining fraternity, in particular, the bauxite industry.
“His performance was of unquestionable standard, which qualified him, to being a true game-changer in the fields of both national and human development.” Minister Scott said.
He added, “His achievements are so dynamic that he will live on for many generations to come, as we gather here today to celebrate his life, let us not fail to recognise, that the community of Linden is what it is today because of the tireless inputs of comrade James, as we say farewell to him, I hope the younger generations will emulate the virtues and standards which he has left behind.”
James served as the first Regional Chairman and remembering his service in his tribute was Robert Corbin who said that James fought tirelessly for the survival of the bauxite industry and the general advancement of Linden.
Former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds recalled that during the years when privatisation was seen as the only option out, James fought to the end to keep the company alive, to give the workers hope and not allow the economic landscape of Linden to be completely affected by the decision to privatise. “I can praise the work of Horace, through those times,” Hinds said.
Emit Alves who succeed James at the Linmine Secretariat, said that it was James’ burning wish to see Linden returned to the glory days and during his final days was consumed with plans to further develop the town. Alves called for a street or building to be named in his honour. “In honour of his legacy, let all stakeholders, join hands together and move our community, our region, our country forward,” Alves urged.
Representative from NICIL, Gary Reid, described James as a not a boss, but as a leader, who was always ready to pass on knowledge to his subordinates. “At NICIL, we really miss a friend, a senior leader, a father, a brother…..he was never concerned about race, he was concerned about getting the work done, and that is the man….today we miss not only a good friend, but a good leader,” he said.
In eulogising him, his brother Bryan James described Horace as an excellent performer in school which led to him becoming one of Guyana’s earlier scholars. While he held many hats and many professional positions, he often returned to Mahaicony to hold family gatherings.
James was born on June 30, 1950, in Mahaicony and was the fourth of six children. He returned from studies in the United Kingdom as a mining engineer and served as CEO LINMINE. Other positions, he held, included Regional Chairman, CEO of Linden Electricity Company, CEO of the Linmine Secretariat, Director of the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) Board, the Linden Community Development (LCD), the Bauxite Centennial Committee, the Linden Legal Aid, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Linden Museum. He leaves to mourn his wife Ann James, son Hillheir Emptage, brothers, sisters, other relatives and the entire town of Linden.
Story and Images: Vanessa Braithwaite.