The tribute continued: “Mr. Hoyte was a close and supportive friend of the Guyana Local Government Officers Union. He had an active commitment and unflinching dedication to the welfare and well being of workers. His graceful interactions with the members of the Union had come to characterise the traditional May Day Fellowship at the Guyana Local Government Officers Union Hall at Woolford Avenue.

“We hope that his dreams of better work conditions and a higher standard of living for workers will be realised for the benefit of all concerned. Guyana Local Government Officers Union wishes to extend sincere condolence to Mrs. Hoyte, other relatives, members of the People’s National Congress/Reform and all those who cared for and loved him,” the statement concluded.

‘He has made a tremendous contribution’
--Lions of Guyana and District 60A of the Caribbean
The Lions of Guyana, and of District 60A have written Mrs. Joyce Hoyte, wife of the late former President of Guyana expressing sympathy and paying tribute to the Guyanese leader.

An extract from the letter says: “It is with deep sadness, we the Lions of Guyana and of District 60A of the Caribbean, have learnt of the death of former President Hugh Desmond Hoyte -- a great statesman, a stalwart in politics, an honest and faithful Guyanese.

“He has made a tremendous contribution not only to Guyana but also to the Caribbean and international development, and one who has dedicated his whole life to other people’s well being and comfort.

“We pray God grant you the peace and strength to deal with the pain of the loss. May he be granted a place in Paradise.”

GECOM head sends letters of condolence to PNC/R
Dr. Steve Surujbally, Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), has sent letters of condolence to Mr. Oscar Clarke, General Secretary of the People’s National Congress/Reform and Mr. Robert Corbin, the party’s chairman. The text of the letters is as follows:

“Please accept from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), and its Secretariat our sincerest condolences on the death of Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte, S.C., Leader of the People’s National Congress and former Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

“It is our hope that, in this time of the party’s and nation’s grief, the new leadership will display Mr. Hoyte’s lucid vision, his maturity and his patriotism while exploiting those avenues that will lead to national reconciliation and redemption.”

National Library mounts display, opens Book of Condolence
As a tribute to the memory of the late Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte, S.C., M.P., the National Library has opened a Book of Condolence and also mounted a display at the Central Library in Georgetown.

A release from the institution said that the display includes some of Mr. Hoyte's main works, as well as articles and other documents written about the former President of Guyana.

The display is open to the public from Monday to Friday from 8:30 hours to 17:15 hours, and from 9:00 hours to 11:45 hours on Saturday. The display will conclude on Saturday, January 4, 2003.