Stephen Campbell

Stephen Campbell was an Arawakan Guyanese politician and political activist, and the first Amerindian Member of Parliament in Guyanese History.[1][2][3][4]

Life

Stephen Joseph Campbell was born to Tiburtio A. Campbell and his wife, Maria dos Santos, in Moruca, British Guiana, on December 26, 1897. Both of Campbell's parents died when he was young, and he was subsequently raised by his grandmother. He was brought up as a devout Catholic. He studied at Santa Rosa Mission School, and subsequently worked for many years as a teacher and as a catechist in various regions of Guyana. Campbell married Umbelina Da Silva on 9 February 1928.[5][6]

On September 10, 1957, Campbell became the first Amerindian Member of Parliament in Guyanese history, when he was elected onto the Legislative Council of British Guiana.[1][2][3] He subsequently joined the National Labour Front.[5]

Campbell died on 12 May 1966, just two weeks before Guyana won Independence from Great Britain.[5]

Political legacy

Campbell is widely regarded as a hero by Amerindian communities in Guyana, and his achievements are celebrated on September 10 every year as a part of Amerindian Heritage Month.[1][2][3][7]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Haynes, Andre (18 September 2008). "Treading on Stephen Campbell's Roads: Is the Dream Finally a Reality?". Stabroek News. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Anon (9 September 2011). "Stephen Campbell Remembered at Evening of Reflection". Guyana Chronicle Online. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Knews (2 September 2011). "21st Century Amerindian Heritage". Kaieteur News. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  4. ↑ GINA (Guyana's Government Information Agency) (11 September 2011). "Heritage Village celebrations highlight contributions of Parliamentarian Stephen Campbell". Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Anon (10 September 2010). "Amerindian Affairs Ministry pays tribute to first Amerindian Legislator, Stephen Campbell". Guyana Chronicle Online. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  6. ↑ Moruca Newsletter - Santa Rosa. "Wall of Fame: Notable Morucans". Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  7. ↑ Smock, Kirk (2008). Guyana:The Bradt Travel Guide. UK: Bradt Travel Guides. ISBN 978 1 84162 223 1.