The best tribute would be unity of purpose -Iwokrama
The Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation & Development has paid tribute to the late Hugh Desmond Hoyte and extended sympathy to his widow Mrs Joyce Hoyte.

In a recent release, the centre honoured Hoyte's "vision and commitment to the environment and to sustainable development" through the founding of the Iwokrama Rain Forest Programme.

At a meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1989, Hoyte declared, as the then President of Guyana, that one million acres of Guyana's rainforest was to be set aside as a living laboratory.

This commitment was further elaborated at the Earth Summit of the United Nations in 1990 in Rio de Janeiro. The centre declared that Iwokrama would always be linked with the most positive and progressive of Hoyte's legacies.

The centre credited Hoyte, through Iwokrama, with positioning Guyana as a key player on the world map of sustainable development. It was stated, however, that at the heart of sustainable development lies the achievement of peace, harmony and stability; and the maintaining of these principles. According to the centre it has stood as a bridge across national divides, having had the shared support of both the main political parties in Guyana as well as other Parliamentary parties and successive governments. There-fore, the centre posited that the best tribute to Hoyte would be to advance partnerships, agreements and a unity of purpose in other spheres, both public and private to best serve the interests of Guyana and for the greater good.

Suriname party sends condolences
The National Democratic Party (NDP) of the Republic of Suriname has expressed its condolences to Mrs. Joyce Hoyte, the Guyanese Government, the executives and members of the PNCR and the people of Guyana on the passing of former President Hugh Desmond Hoyte.

The NDP also hoped that all Guyanese continue the work of "this great Caribbean Statesman" according to a press release from the party, signed by its Chairman Delano D Bouterse.

The release says the late Guyanese former President will be remembered by the NDP as one of the remarkable political leaders of the Caribbean, recalled for their struggle in the post-colonial period for self-determination of the young Republics.

The NDP said that it has always admired his willingness to meet and discuss matters of mutual interest with the executives of its political party.

Ex-prison officers salute Hoyte
The Guyana Ex-Prison Officers' Association is deeply saddened by the sudden demise of former President Desmond Hoyte who was also Patron of the Association from its establishment in April 1990 to October 1992.

A release from the association stated that Guyana has lost one of its finest sons. Sincere condolences were extended to his wife, Joyce and all his relatives and friends, also the executive and members of the PNCR.

Hoyte championed worker rights
-says Government Officers union

The Guyana Local Government Officers Union has expressed deep sadness at the passing of Desmond Hoyte and hopes his dream of better working conditions and a higher standard of living for workers will be realised for the benefit for all concerned.

The union recalls Hoyte was a close and supportive friend of the union, noting that he had an active commitment and unflinching dedication to the welfare and well being of workers. The union extends sincere condolences to Mrs. Joyce Hoyte, other relatives and members of the PNCR.