VP Allicock salutes contributions of former Minister of Amerindian Affairs Francis Vibert De Souza….
Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Press Release – Monday, December 31, 2018
Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock says the contributions of former Minister of Amerindian Affairs Francis Vibert De Souza must be recognised since he was an active participant in ensuring the rights, customs and traditions of the indigenous peoples were upheld.
Minister Allicock noted that De Souza “has made great contributions to our society in the many hats he wore in his professional careers. We are grateful to have had the influences of Mr. De Souza, a brother of the soil and we share our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time”.
The Minister shared these sentiments following the passing of De Souza mere two days before his 74th Birth Anniversary.
Reminiscing on his life as an indigenous son of the soil, Minister Allicock said he was afforded the opportunity of representing the Indigenous Peoples in India alongside De Souza, and that assignment proved live changing since the aircraft they were in, started descending rapidly.
He said this experience seemed to exceptionally long when in reality it lasted for about a minute.
Minister said “he was always so joyful, forward thinking and forward planning’.
De Souza who hailed from Moruca, Region One and served as Minister of Amerindian Affairs from 1992-2001 was also an avid musician.
He also served as a member of Progressive Youth Organization, Vice President of the Guyanese Organization of Indigenous People, a member of the Agricultural & General Workers Union, Entrepreneur, and Minister of Public Works, Community and Regional Development.
Alethea Grant
Communications Officer
Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs