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A tribute to Hilbert Spence, former Minister of Trade
Dear Editor,
It is with regret that I learnt of the passing of Hilbert Spence who I am told died at the age of 92. Too often patriotic Guyanese pass away without anyone knowing of the tremendous contribution the individual made to society.
I would not like this to happen to Hilbert. He was a former Minister of Trade in the first and last coalition Government between the People’s National Congress at the United Force in the mid-sixties. Hilbert came from the United Force.
Hilbert’s greatest contribution was geared towards the social and economic progress of Berbice. He was the President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development for quite a number of years, it was a turbulent time for private enterprise, but he kept the Berbice Chamber going.
I recall one conversation with him in the 1970s, about the need to change with the times. He said, “Ralph, the Berbice businessmen need to move away from the shopkeeper mentality to one of entrepreneurship.” He wanted the businessmen to move into manufacturing instead of selling imports.
He was a Manager of the then Colonial Life Insurance Company in Berbice before he became Trade Minister. Hilbert was visionary; one of his dreams was to convert the Esplanade in New Amsterdam into a major sports complex. He did succeed to an extent. During the mid sixties, the Esplanade on the New Amsterdam foreshore was converted to sports and race track.
There was horse racing, motor car, motor bike and cycle racing events. However due to the fact that it was in a low lying area, the area was prone to flooding. Looking at the Esplanade today, overrun by trees, one could hardly believe such events took place there.
He later became the General Manager of Guyana Wrefords in New Amterdam, then owned by the Government.
He was a community activist at heart, and was responsible for many social projects in New Amsterdam while being an active member of the Lions Club of New Amsterdam. He was a fixture at the Old Catholic Men’s Club (CMA) where he was fondly known as “Waro”.
I extend my deepest sympathy to his immediate and extended families.
Ralph Seeram
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