Former Govt Minister Vibert DeSouza passes away
Former Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Vibert DeSouza died at this home in Eccles last evening, the Department of Public Information said.
DeSouza served as the Minister of Amerindian Affairs under the PPP/C government in 1992. He was the first Minister to be assigned to the Amerindian portfolio. Prior to being appointed as a government minister, DeSouza served as Minister of Local Government and Regional Development. He worked as an entrepreneur and also as a Sales Agent at the Hand in Hand Insurance Company; a cultural officer attached to the Agricultural & General Workers Union and a technician, clerk, at the St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital.
DeSouza also served and was a member of several organisations. He was President of Catholic Youth, Guyana (1969-1970); Member Progressive Youth Organization (1972-1982); Vice-president Guyanese Organization of Indigenous Peoples, Guyana (1991-1992), DPI said.
DeSouza was born on December 31, 1944, in Moruka, North West District, Guyana.