A press conference was hurriedly called by party Chairman, Mr. Robert Corbin who made the announcement to the nation, and at the same time urged the membership of the party to remain calm and disciplined.

But neither strength nor discipline could have held back the tears of many of the comrades, plunged into deep anguish on hearing the devastating news.

Following the press conference, members of the Central Executive convened an emergency meeting at which the arrangements for the funeral were discussed, among other things.

Meanwhile, planted at half-mast outside his office, and fluttering in the gentle mid-morning breezes, were the national ‘Golden Arrowhead’ and the party's flag with the symbol of the palm tree, emblazoned on a background of red, white and black, telling a tale of sadness. And at the entrance to the compound, two black flags were mounted on either side of the gate, somewhat adding to the solemnity and overcast conditions hovering in that vicinity.

The Chronicle spoke with party officials who all shared the grief of losing a leader in whom they had great confidence.

General Secretary, Mr. Oscar Clarke:
“The parting of any great leader is always a matter of grave concern for everyone, and of course, it is a concern to us that Mr. Hoyte has left us.”

Albeit, he said, the party has always had arrangements for succession. Constitutionally, with Mr. Hoyte's passing, the normal arrangements will be put in place with Corbin assuming leadership of the party automatically.

Corbin will continue to lead the party until the General Council is called, within 60 days, Clarke stated, at which time the General Council will then elect an Interim Leader who will continue to lead the party until the next Congress.

Clarke said that a Committee was set up yesterday morning, following Hoyte’s death to plan the funeral arrangements. That committee is headed by Corbin, and has been broken up into several sub-committees.

He said Mr. Deryck Bernard will be responsible for dealing with the media and all matters of publicity and public relations. Bernard, who had by then already established the Media Relations sub-committee, was engaged in discussions leading up to the funeral.

Asked whether Hoyte will be accorded a State funeral, Clarke responded: "That is a matter which is to be determined ... our Committee will have a national funeral because Mr. Hoyte deserves a national funeral, and is going to have a national funeral, but whether it is going to be a formal State funeral is a matter which has to be discussed with the authorities."

And commenting on the cause of the death, and if, and when a post mortem examination is to be performed, Clarke said that the party was unable to state what the cause of death was, "because we haven't had access to that report at this point in time."

He said that the report would have to be pursued by Hoyte's family.

Regional Chairman (Region Four), Mr. Alan Munroe:

“I was very saddened to hear the news of the death of our leader. It was a shock at a time when I think he was most needed by this country.

“I think he (was) playing a very important role, and it would not be easy for anyone to play that role now.

“We in Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) particularly, are going to miss him because he has been paying attention to our problems and just recently visited the two villages of Buxton and Ann's Grove about two weeks ago and spoke with the people; listened to their problems and was advising how we go around to resolve them. So he has been paying a lot of attention to us in Region Four, and the people of Region Four will be very, very sad.”

The Regional Chairman said that a Book of Condolence would be opened up in the Region Four Regional Democratic Council boardroom at 10:00 hours today, as well as another at the party’s office at Grove, East Bank Demerara so that persons can pay tribute.

"But, we are strengthened from the fact that he gave us a lot of lessons, and he actually taught us how to respond in times of crisis. Because of that, we feel strong now, and it will help to bring our members closer together, and with a similar resolve for us to continue to enhance the welfare of the people of this country," Munroe said.

Leader of the REFORM component of the PNC/R, Mr. Jerome Khan:

Extending heartfelt sympathies to Mrs. Joyce Hoyte and other members of the Hoyte family, Khan said: "Not only have they lost a member of their family, but I think the nation of Guyana has lost an important political leader, statesman and person who has been in the political life of this country for a number of years - one who has demonstrated over time that he is a statesman of the highest order: a person who always put nation before himself. He dedicated his life to making Guyana a better place for ordinary people - for people of every stratum of the society. One who opened up the doors of Guyana from a period of governance that more or less had State control in various aspects of national life - the economy, political life and other institutions were state controlled - and he rapidly moved that away."

"As the Chairman of the REFORM component of the PNC Reform, I believe that I echo the sentiments of all our members, and all our well-wishers and supporters when I say that we will sadly miss him."

"From a REFORM aspect, he opened the heart and soul of his party to reach out to us, and gave us the opportunity to participate at the highest level of the party in formulating policies, implementing those policies and ensuring that they are effective."

Khan added: "I think the Reform group will miss him, but I think we have to continue on his memory - the things that he stood for. We will strive to find great strength, which I know we would find in the work that he has done and the things he has done, and may we build on it."

He said that the Reform perspective is that the legacy that Hoyte has left, will give them the strength to carry on the work, "because I think our work is not finished."

Dwelling on some of the personal attributes of Hoyte, Khan saw him as a “peace maker” and a “national healer".

"I saw Mr. Hoyte as a national healer who was always looking to heal the nation anytime it was faced with problems."

Member of the PNC Central Executive, and former Minister of Information, Mrs. Yvonne Harewood-Benn:

"I am deeply grieved. To say 'shocked' is an understatement. The Comrade Leader's death was more than a shock to us..."

Chairperson of the National Congress of Women, Ms Cheryl Sampson:

"The Comrade Leader's death was a shock to us - the National Congress of Women mourns the loss. We have lost a statesman; we have lost a peace loving person at a time when Guyana needed him most, but we endeavour to continue his work. He has been such an inspiration to us."

"All I can say is: May his soul rest in peace."

Chairperson of the Guyana Youth and Student Movement , Ms Lurlene Nestor: