Opposition leader Robert Corbin was hospitalised yesterday after complaining of chest pains.
Robert Corbin
Up to press time Corbin, 61, was a patient at the Woodlands Hospital in the city, where he was admitted after experiencing a sudden discomfort in his chest while driving in the morning. Although it was initially suspected that the PNCR leader might have suffered a heart attack, his brother Charles Corbin said that test results were negative. “The results are in and they are negative,” he told Stabroek News last evening. He also explained that his brother’s physicians in the US have requested that he be flown overseas to be placed under their care. Although preparations were being made, there no decision had been made up to press time. “I can’t say when he will be flown out,” he said, while noting that his doctors both here and overseas were making arrangements.
In a brief statement, the PNCR yesterday confirmed that Corbin had been hospitalised after complaining of feeling unwell. It added that his condition was being evaluated to determine a treatment option. Meanwhile, PNCR General Secretary Oscar Clarke would keep the public informed of any future developments.
According to Charles Corbin, the PNCR leader told doctors that he experienced discomfort in the chest region while driving to a scheduled party meeting. As a result, he drove himself to the hospital for a check-up and subsequently underwent tests to diagnose the problem. At the same time, there were discussions between the treating physicians and Corbin’s doctors in the US, who indicated their wish that he be flown there for treatment.
Corbin was still sedated and resting when Stabroek News visited the hospital, where his wife Carol as well as party executives gathered.
When contacted, Clarke was unable to say whether Corbin would be flown overseas, noting that no decision had been made.
In Corbin’s absence, the party’s acting Chairpersons Basil Williams and Volda Lawrence usually function as acting joint leaders of the PNCR. In the event that he is flown overseas for treatment, Williams and Lawrence would be at the helm of the party. Corbin assumed the leadership of the party his predecessor, former President Desmond Hoyte, died of a heart attack in 2002, receiving unanimous support as leader at a Special Delegates Congress in 2003.
But since that time, Corbin has been criticised over his leadership of the PNCR, which has coincided with the migration of several leading members of the party. He withstood a leadership challenge by former executive Vincent Alexander and a group of supporters from the party’s executive.
However, in the aftermath several members were disciplined, including James McAllister, who was recalled from the Parliament–developments which preceded a departure of several leading members.
More recently, Winston Murray gave up the post of Chairman on a matter of principle though he has remained a Member of Parliament and the party’s shadow finance minister.
The party has also faced piercing questions about its stance toward the government and whether it was providing effective leadership of the opposition. Corbin has been accused of taking a soft line on the government and this at one point led to President Bharrat Jagdeo rising to his defence.
I wish him a speedy and full recovery and all the best in the future. I hope he takes this respite to evaluate his continuing in this stressful occupation.
This should serve as a wake up call to all of us, especially those of us who are “getting big.” We should cut back on fats and sodium and monitor the cholestrol levels in our diet, have some regular form of exercise, try to keep our weight down, get regular checkups and reduce the stress factors in our lives.
The last factor may not be that easy, living in Guyana, but making time for relaxing activities such as church fellowship, listening to music, spending quality time with loved ones or just simply “chilling” can definitely help.
I do wish Mr. Corbin a sppedy recovery. At 61 he has many productive years remaining.
Eh, how de Chronic gat dis story, yuh would tink deh man gone to glory ahready. Eh eh!
I hope you get well soon Mr.Corbin. You need some time away from the party as well.
I know Mrs. LMAO. It sounded like an obituary.
He taking on too much because Van West Charles returns, and would be takeing his position of opposition leader, more of them would come down with different symptoms.
He’s too stressed out, knowing that he would not be anything in the opposition, infighting would kill them all.
arnold why dont you keep your negatives to your self.
you D.. A.. H…
arnold there’s a time and place for everything, but for once let’s give politics a rest for today, and remember we are all succeptible to chest pains, none of us are immortal, the saying goes today for you tomorrow for me, if you know what i mean.
funny arnold.
Arnold,this is not the time for that my friend,everyone will suffer some kind of illness at some time,try to be decent at this time,if you cannot say something good, say nothing!!!
To whom it may Concern, so sorry that I’ve made your day bad……SO SORRY!!
When the late President Jagan was hospitalised plenty blogheads said negative things about her and no one jumped on them..But how it’s about you all loved opposition leader.
I should not express my view.
Wishing a Speedy Recovery.
…right, arnold, so right … that’ why we all got to realize that the other fellow feels emotions as DEEPLY as we do …
Arnold, i find that you are super insensitive, this man has a family and friends, he is more than just the PNC/R Leader. And your comments are very upsetting. Sometimes you just need to think before your write.
I hope he get well, chest pain should be seriously investigated and maybe a heart attaack in the making, the only thing i have a problem with guyana why is it top officials choose to go to other countries when they get sick, while the population have to deal with the screwed up medical system home, while the rich and famous get to fly out for their medical treatment, I wish him a speedy recovery.
does
third world have any meaning to you…
AMEN…. Reliable and trust-worthy services in Guyana!!!!
AMEN, A….AMEN
The Leader Robert Corbin PNCR Leader will be well. Noting like prayer. He is a good man. Although all kinds of speculation of his illness. To the Party and more so his family keep positive thoughts all will be will.
Arnold ‘ chest pains are very serious and this is not the right time to criticize the guy.Try being sympathetic it’s a ‘HUMAN THING’
I wish Mr. Corbin a speedy recover. I sincerely hope that very soon, he may be able to travel to the US to under go further medical evaluation and treatment. I hope that it is not his heart that is bothering him. Indeed, his job as minority leader is highly stressful and this incident may be a signal, for him to shift gear and take it easy in the future. I look forward to his return to active politics…
… mr corbin did the right thing … at the first sign of chest discomfort seek professional medical care … immediately … don’t delay … even if you think you’re young … safest thing to do … your taxes fund the public hospitals & and you can always find money to pay the private ones … you want to see many more sunrises … stop smoking, drinking, & fooling around … become a vegetarian … you might even live to see halley’s comet coming back in 2062 … life is wonderful … treasure it … it’s the only one you have …
mxqbh,
Great suggestion on becoming a “vegetarian.”
I’ve been a vegetarian since I was 13 years old, my wife became one months before we got married. No regrets on this move, we’ve benefited greatly. I’d like to believe that Good health is the foundation for all happiness.
Hackett are you a vegetarian? if so big up, coz i’m too.