Tribute to Phillip Duncan, J.P, A.A – January 4th 1943 to June 29th 2024

I, on behalf of the Leader, Executive, and members of the Peoples National Congress Reform, take great pride in exercising the honour of paying tribute to a great man.

Phillip Duncan, J.P, A.A – January 4^th, 1943 to June 29^th, 2024- was a giant among his countrymen. The founder leader of the Peoples National Congress, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham saw in him the qualities of a leader.  Mr. Burnham worked with him. Together they built on those qualities in the furtherance of the objectives of the government Mr. Burnham led, in the best interest of the people of Guyana in general, and hinterland and Indigenous peoples in particular.

Days before the commencement of the PNCR’s 22^nd biennial delegates congress held from 28^th, thru 30^th, June 2024, a portrait of Mr. Duncan was mounted on the wall of the auditorium at Congress Place by our current Party Leader. We received the sad news of his passing during a session of Congress on Saturday 29.  It was indeed a sad moment for all of us.

Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, a young Prime Minister of a young independent nation, placed a young, intelligent twenty-two years old Phillip Duncan as a member of parliament on January 27^th, 1965.  He remained a Parliamentarian until October 24^th, 1980.  Phillip Duncan thus became the first Indigenous Guyanese Parliamentarian in Independent Guyana.  By my reckoning, he is the second youngest Parliamentarian in Guyana.  The historians may wish to formally pronounce on that for our national records.

Mr. Duncan, or Uncle Phillip as I addressed him, served in several offices within the PNC government from January 27^th, 1965 to October 24^th, 1980.

• Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Local Government September 5^th, 1966 to April 28^th, 1969
• Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister 29^th April 1969 to February 26^th 1971
• Parliamentary Secretary Ministry of Agriculture, February 27^th, 1971 to July 31^st, 1972
• Parliamentary Secretary Ministry of National Development and Agriculture, August 1^st, to July 25^th, 1973
• Minister of State – Regional (Rupununi) July 26^th, 1973 to April 6^th, 1977
• Minister of State – Ministry of Economic Development and Cooperatives, April 7^th, 1977 to December 1979
• Minister of State – Regional, (North West) January 1980 to October 24^th, 1980

He spoke in support of the Amerindian Lands Commission Bill on 28^th, January 1966, the passage of which laid the foundation for addressing Indigenous land rights and land titling in Guyana.  It was this Amerindian Lands Commission Act which began the forward movement in the area of Indigenous Land Rights and titling, first with the establishment of the Amerindian Lands Commission. That Commission’s report was responsible for recommending the issuance of close to one hundred Absolute Grants in 1976 and 1991 giving legal ownership of traditional lands to Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples. This was a landmark national accomplishment.  This ownership came first through amendments to the Act in 1976 and 1991 which amendments included those titles within the legislation as schedules.

His finer moments in service to Guyana were many.  Of note, however, he was particularly proud to be among the first Guyanese to represent Guyana at the United Nations.  He was, in fact, the first Indigenous Guyanese to do so.  He told me of how elated he was to be a “Diplomat for fifteen days.” He represented us well.  His party and country were proud of his accomplishments. Guyana is richer for this.

Phillip Duncan travelled the hinterland regions of Guyana.  If a man could get there by Land Rover, tractor, boat, on horseback or on foot, he was there. The people saw him, interacted with him, and he inspired them.

He supported the people’s efforts in whatever field of endeavour and where ever they lived or operated.  He worked tirelessly with George Tankredo and his team of Balata Bleeders as they advanced the balata craft. The Balata craft soared.  The export trade in Balata craft netted millions of dollars. Phillip Duncan, however, became disappointed because it took men away from their families for extended periods.  He observed that this was causing a societal problem and sought to find ways to navigate away from the negatives of this absence.  Through his efforts, government supported farmers with tractors and miners with dredges. People were now closer to their homes.  Families were stronger together.  Phillip Duncan was happier with this. This was a man with a tremendous sense of values. This was a man guided by a moral compass that is so necessary but so scarce in this time. He believed in people. He served people.  He supported people. He was a patriot, a nationalist, a champion. His leader believed in him.  His party embraced him. His countrymen trusted him. Guyana was richer for his presence, work, worth, sacrifices and accomplishments.

We, who are left behind, must learn from and emulate the positives of great men such as Phillip Duncan.

I first saw him in 1978 when he visited us at school in Matthews Ridge.  Years later, in 2007, I was able to sit down with him and have a long conversation.  Later that same day, I formally interviewed him on camera.  He was the first person I ever interviewed for National Television.  That interview was one hour long.  It inspired me.  It continues to inspire me to this day and will remain my inspiration for many things I shall do in this life.

Uncle Phillip had a sense of humour too.  I recall asking him about his life after ministerial duties.  He responded without hesitation saying, “I never stopped being a minister! After leaving government, I became a minister of religion.  So, you see, I have been a minister for most of my life.” His life is a true enactment of our national song, Hymn for Guyana’s Children.

Hymn For Guyana’s Children: Valerie Rodway

With humble hearts and heads bowed down
In thanks for each new day of toil
We kneel before Thine altar, Lord
The children of Guyana’s soil.

Great is the task that Thou hast given:
Thy will to show, Thy truth to find:
To teach ourselves that we are one
In thy great Universal mind.

But not in vain we’ll strive to build
A new Guyana great and free;
A land of glory and of hope,
A land of love and unity.

O children of Guyana, rise,
Rise up and sing with happy tears:
And bless the land that gave you birth,
And vow to serve her through the years.

The leader, executive, and members of the People’s National Congress Reform, join with the family and friends of Phillip Duncan in celebrating the life of a wonderful, enterprising, visionary, humble, yet mighty man who was born in the land of the mighty Roraima, a man who pledged to, and served his country, Guyana with distinction and to the very end of his time.

In honour of this great son of the soil, I recommend to the Mayor and councillors of the municipality of Lethem, the Chairman and councillors of the Upper Takutu – Upper Essequibo Region, and the Government of Guyana, that the main road which passes through Lethem, be hereafter officially named, The Phillip Duncan Public Road. It is a small honour for a great man.

We offer sincere condolences to his grieving widow, children, grandchildren, and other relatives as well as his church congregation and friends.

May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Mervyn Williams
Saturday 6^th June 2024
Lethem.