Latest update January 3rd, 2025 4:30 AM
Latest News
- Mohameds drops lawsuit after Sgt. Bascom apologises over murder accusations
- More than 70 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza
- Berbice man drowns at Lake during New Year’s Day outing.
- Motorcycle bandits crash into Hilux to rob driver
- Jagdeo defends 4% interest on US EXIM Bank loan for Gas-to-Energy project
Remembering Linden’s first Mayor
By Enid Joaquin
“The year was 1970, a period when Guyanese from every walk of life embraced the future with anticipation, excitement and confidence.
In the community of Linden, this hope probably shone brightest as one of its sons was about to become its first Mayor.
Elaine Benjamin, wife of late Mayor Egbert Benjamin, with the book of condolence and Linden Flag, which were presented to her by IMC
Short legs pumping, fussing about the last-minute detail of his dapper suit, issuing orders like a General in the heat of battle, and shuffling his speech notes for the umpteenth time, Egbert Benjamin was ready.
“In hindsight, he seemed to have been ready all his life for the selfless service and dedication to family, community, and the work of God,” Karen Benjamin declared with sad but proud conviction, as she read the eulogy of her late father, who passed away on September 1, at the age of 84.
Egbert Benjamin, the first Mayor of Linden, who served the community from 1970-73, was born on the 10th May, 1924, at No. 9 Village, Berbice.
He was married for fifty-three years to Eileen, and fathered six – Desmond, Barbara, Paulette, Karen, Wishart and Leslyn.
Benjamin migrated to Linden, and was employed by the Demerara Bauxite Company as a welder/fabricator.
The Linden municipality, which he served both in an official capacity as Mayor, and later as a committed citizen, on Wednesday paid tribute to him at a special sitting of councilors, family members and special invitees.
Chairman of the Interim Management Committee (IMC), Orrin Gordon, in addressing the gathering declared, “The community and family have lost a short man in physical stature, but one who stood tall and loomed large in spite of being a simple, humble soul. So many of us have been tainted in this high office, for one reason or another, but it will be safe to say, that he being the first, remained to the end, untainted.”
Gordon also reminisced on Benjamin’s earthly and amicable personality that endeared him to all; and posited that Linden is synonymous with Egbert Benjamin.
Regional Chairman, Mortimer Mingo also paid tribute to Benjamin and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family.
The late Egbert Benjamin, Linden’s first Mayor
He pointed out that even though the former Mayor came from humble beginnings, he was catapulted to the highest office in town, and yet he was a humble man.
Mingo opined that Linden today needs more of the likes of Benjamin, as he spearheaded the rehabilitation of two major thoroughfares in the community – the Burnham Drive and the Cholmondeley Hill main roads, during his tenure; and proudly stated that those works were solid and stands to this day.
It was reiterated by all that Benjamin was a stickler for discipline, commitment and punctuality, and Gloria Britton, who served as his Deputy, recounted, “I learnt one big word from Brother Benjie, and that is “sticktoitiveness” …his maxim was total commitment. I feel sad when commitment to duties is lacking, when we were blessed with a mentor such as Brother Benjie.”
Britton pointed out that she learnt the real meaning of humility from Benjamin, and laments that there are not many more like him.
She admonished the gathering to do something in the late Mayor’s honour, and not to let his life and work go in vain.
Also paying tribute to Benjamin were Horace James of the Linmine Secretariat, Valerie Adams-Sharpe of LEAF, Member of Parliament Vanessa Kissoon, and Pastor Selwyn Sills among others.
Described as a stalwart and a man of impeccable integrity, Benjamin’s list of affiliations were as follows: Justice of Peace, Commissioner of Oaths and Affidavits, Past President of the Lions Club, member of the Linden Hospital Board, Chairman of the Linden School for the handicapped, Past President of the Breastfeeding Committee, President of the Blood Bank Committee of Linden, Member of the Regional Welfare Committee, and member of the Masonic Lodge.
At the closing of the special sitting, his wife Elaine Benjamin was presented with the book of condolence and the flag of Linden in recognition of her husband’s invaluable service to the town.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
GUYSUCO’s problems are political not managerial
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- The sugar industry has been for centuries Guyana’s agricultural backbone. Yet, its struggles... more
Breaking the Chains of Poverty: A need for political will
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- The year 2024 has underscored a grim reality: poverty continues to be an unyielding... more
Weekend Cartoon
