Oscar Clarke remembered as political stalwart and true son of the soil

Longtime politician and former General Secretary of the People’s National Congress Reform, Oscar Clarke, was laid to rest today.

With the casket draped with the flag of the People’s National Congress Reform’s (PNCR), the former City Councilor, who was also a former Member of Parliament, and a former Government Minister and Diplomat, was remembered as a stalwart and patriot, who was also a committed son of the soil.

At a funeral service held this morning at the St. George’s Cathedral, Leader of the Opposition and PNC Reform Leader, Aubrey Norton, said Oscar Clarke lived a life of service to the party and country.

“Today, our party – the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) bids farewell and pay tribute to a dedicated member and stalwart, a patriot, and committed son of Guyana, the late comrade Oscar Eleazar Clarke, C.C.H, who gave lifelong service to our party and country that exemplified the meaning of being steadfast in season and out of season. He was a loyal, committed and pleasant soul,” the Opposition Leader said.

Mr. Norton noted that in providing yeoman service to the people of Guyana, Clarke served as Minister of State, Minster of Regional Development, Minster of Home Affairs and Guyana’s High Commissioner to Zambia. Equally important, he served as a Member of Parliament for 20 years, and Councilor at the level of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council for several years.

For his dedicated service, he was bestowed with the the Cacique Crown of Honour (C.C.H).

Former Leader of the PNC/R, Robert Corbin said Oscar Clarke was a true friend, who illustrated by his shining example, what a son of Guyana could achieve, through study, dedicated service, and hard work.

“I can attest to the fact, that Oscar Clarke gave dedicated service to all Guyana with joy and a deep understanding of the time in which we live. Throughout his political and public service, his integrity was unquestionable, and he served with distinction. He was a gentleman, quiet and unassuming, warm, approachable and a keen listener. He exemplified traits of loyalty to country, dedication to duty, and love of the common people,” Cobin said.

For his children, his wisdom and warmth would be profoundly missed.

In a tribute on behalf of his children, Clarke’s daughter, Paula Clarke said their conversations were always filled with laughter, love, and deep understanding. She said those are treasured memories that the children and family will continue to hold close.

“Dad, you decorated my life with an abundance of love, wisdom, and countless laughs. You had a way of making every moment special, and your presence was a source of comfort and strength. You taught us the importance of integrity, always emphasizing that it was the most crucial trait a person must possess. Your guidance shaped us into the people we are today, instilling in us values that will carry us forward,” she said.

Tributes also flowed from the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore and Representatives of the Brotherhood of St. Andrews and the Mother’s Union.

Oscar Clarke was 84-years-old.