Dear Editor,
I am happy the conversations surrounding the soon-to-be-completed Wismar-Mackenzie four-lane bridge are no longer about whose idea it was and who was going to do it and such waste of conversation; the fact is that ideas not acted on to become a reality are just an unrealised dream. That dream, however, has come into existence under the President Ali Administration, and it is a noteworthy piece of infrastructure that will be of significant importance to the people of Linden and its economy in many facets.
Now the conversation is more about what new name the bridge should be named. Several were suggested and reasons provided. It is in this same vein of making suggestion I would venture to propose that the name the New Wismar–Mackenzie Bridge be in Honour of the late Robert Herman Orlando Corbin CCH.[1]
Again, and for emphasis, I strongly advocate for the new Wismar–Mackenzie Bridge being named the Robert Herman Orlando Corbin Bridge, in recognition of a distinguished son of Linden whose service helped shape Guyana’s political life.
Born in Linden, Mr Corbin rose to serve as Deputy Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and a longstanding parliamentarian.[2]
His journey from this community to national leadership is an enduring part of Linden’s contribution to Guyana.
The tributes now being expressed across political boundaries recognise his commitment to public service, dialogue and cooperation. These qualities give particular meaning to naming a bridge in his honour: a structure joining two shores would commemorate a leader willing to engage across political divisions.
For Linden, this would honour one of its own. For Guyana, it would demonstrate that national recognition can rise above party allegiance and acknowledge service wherever it is found.
Let this bridge connect Wismar and Mackenzie while carrying forward the name of a son of Linden who served Guyana.