ACDA to hold tribute for Hoyte
The African Cultural & Development Association has extended sympathy to Mrs Joyce Hoyte, other relatives and members and supporters of the People’s National Congress Reform on the death of former President Hugh Desmond Hoyte.

According to a statement issued yesterday, the Association has dedicated the Kwanzaa Karemu in memory of Hoyte. The tribute programme will be held at the St. George’s High School, North Road, on December 26th, and is set to begin at 11 a.m. There will be a book of condolence opened at the Kwanzaa tribute programme from 11 am to 5 p.m.

Georgetown Chamber of Commerce saddened by Hoyte’s passing
The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed its sadness at the passing on Sunday of former President Hugh Desmond Hoyte, declaring that Guyana can ill afford to lose its statesmen and women in these troubled times.

Hoyte, according to the chamber, will be remembered for, among other achievements, his commitment to steer Guyana towards an open market economy.

The chamber also admired his willingness to meet and discuss matters of interest with the business community.

The association extended its condolences to Mrs Joyce Hoyte, the members of the PNCR and all those who were touched by the life of this “eminent son of Guyana”.

Hoyte has earned his place in Guyana’s history -Yarde
Hugh Desmond Hoyte was “a man of tremendous integrity, of immense dignity”. So said President of the Guyana Public Service Union Patrick Yarde in his condolence message.

Yarde described Hoyte as a true patriot and a friend of the GPSU and added that the union was shattered by news of his death.

He noted that one of his last public appearances was in the compound of the St Andrew’s church when he turned up as a gesture of solidarity and support for the members of the public service.

According to Yarde, the members of the union owe it to Hoyte not to “give ground” until their rights are secured. He further said that no objective person would doubt the “massive” contribution Hoyte has made to all aspects of the development of this country.

According to Yarde, not only has Guyana lost a great leader, but the Caribbean has lost a great statesman and the GPSU has lost a great friend. Yarde declared that Hoyte has earned his place in Guyana’s history.

He expressed condolences to Mrs Joyce Hoyte and the family, relatives, friends and the Party to whom Hoyte gave such dedicated service.

Hoyte’s contributions ‘indelible’ - TUF
Manzoor Nadir on behalf of The United Force has extended his sympathy to Mrs Joyce Hoyte and the Chairman, Executives and members of the People’s National Congress Reform on the passing of Opposition Leader Desmond Hoyte.

According to Nadir, the late Hoyte has made an “unselfish and monumental contribution” to Guyana, one that will be “recorded in our history with much reverence”. Nadir declared Hoyte’s more than three decades of public life to be one that is “matched by only a few, past and present.”

Nadir further stated that for The United Force, the late Hoyte will be remembered as the President of Change, with his embracing of the free market economy and his commitment to having free and fair elections, rendering his contributions “indelible” in our history.

Everyone will feel loss of Hoyte
- C.N. Sharma

Leader of the Justice For All Party, Chandra Narine Sharma has sent his heartfelt sympathy to the Hoyte family and to the members of the PNCR on the death of Hugh Desmond Hoyte, Leader of the PNCR, according to a press release from the party.

“Mr. Hoyte has been a friend of mine for a number of years, so his death is really a shock to me. Guyana has lost one of her greatest sons and I’m sure that everyone will feel this great loss,” Sharma said.

Hoyte was not afraid to make bold steps
-PPP General Secretary

The ruling PPP’s General Secretary Donald Ramotar yesterday hailed former Executive President Desmond Hoyte as a courageous individual who was not afraid to make bold steps.

“Mr Hoyte will be remembered for making the necessary concessions that offered the first free and fair elections in independent Guyana in October 1992,” Ramotar said in a prepared statement.

Ramotar who was speaking at his party’s end-of-year press conference said that Hoyte served Guyana at the highest level being this country’s President from 1985 to 1992 and previous to that held “several responsible ministries since the late 1960s.”

His service in the National Assembly where he sat for more than three decades, according to Ramotar, was reflective of vigorous and forceful advocacy.

Noting that the briefing was being held at a time of great sorrow prompted by Hoyte’s death on Sunday, the PPP General Secretary, said that Hoyte had lived a full and fruitful life.

He joined in extending his party’s sympathy on behalf of its central committee, to Hoyte’s widow Joyce, his close relatives and to the PNCR as a whole on his untimely passing.

Questioned on the ruling party’s stance with Hoyte’s passing and the likelihood of new leadership, Ramotar said that the PPP will always be open to dialogue with the PNCR regardless of who is at the helm.

This, according to Ramotar, is because the PNC is recognised as a very important organisation in the country that could do the country good.

City Council extends condolences to Mrs Hoyte
The Mayor and City Councillors of Georgetown have expressed their condolences to Mrs Joyce Hoyte on the passing of her husband, Hugh Desmond Hoyte.

According to the Council, replacing such a “distinguished statesman and leader” would be difficult.

The Council stated that Hoyte had always been actively concerned about the work of the Georgetown municipality, making “significant and invaluable” contributions to its management and general development. “That he had a vision of a city, whose environment is healthy and safe, and second to none, in the region... cannot be denied”, the City Council said.

It also expressed the hope that his legacy and influence for good live on in all Guyana.

National Front Alliance extends condolences
The National Front Alliance has extended condolences to the Executive and members of the People’s National Congress Reform, Mrs Joyce Hoyte and other relatives on the passing of the Leader of the opposition Hugh Desmond Hoyte SC.

The party, in a statement by leader, Keith Scott, pointed out that not only did Hoyte assume leadership of the country at a time that required patriotism and belief in the will of the people but he responded to those demands with courage.

Hoyte, a true son of the land -Muslim Youth League
The Executive and members of the Muslim Youth League of Guyana, the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex and the Board of Editors of the Muslim Journal has extended sympathies to the People’s National Congress Reform and Mrs Joyce Hoyte on the passing of former President, Hugh Desmond Hoyte.

According to the league, Guyana has lost a true son of the land. The hope was expressed that Hoyte’s contribution would serve to strengthen all Guyanese and to move this nation forward. Guyana and the Caribbean were described as being “poorer” for the passing of Hoyte.

ROAR extends condolences on Hoyte’s death
The Rise, Organise and Rebuild Guyana movement (ROAR), on behalf of its Executives and members, has extended condolences to Mrs Joyce Hoyte and the Executives and members of the PNCR on the death of Desmond Hoyte SC.

The party expressed the hope that this sad event remind all Guyanese of their own mortality and the need to work towards a better Guyana before our turn comes.