Guyanese independence activist Eusi Kwayana dies at 101
Key Points(5)
- Veteran Guyanese politician, educator and Working People’s Alliance (WPA) co-founder Eusi Kwayana has died at the age of 101, the party announced in a joint statement with his family on Sunday.
- Known as the “Sage of Buxton,” Kwayana was a prominent figure in Guyana’s independence movement whose political and cultural activism spanned more than eight decades.
- The WPA described him as an elder, teacher and mentor who defended vulnerable people and remained committed to Guyana’s development throughout his life.
- “We give thanks for his life, his wisdom, his guidance and above all, his example,” the party said.
- The statement did not disclose the date, location or cause of his death.
Veteran Guyanese politician, educator and Working People’s Alliance (WPA) co-founder Eusi Kwayana has died at the age of 101, the party announced in a joint statement with his family on Sunday.
Known as the “Sage of Buxton,” Kwayana was a prominent figure in Guyana’s independence movement whose political and cultural activism spanned more than eight decades.
The WPA described him as an elder, teacher and mentor who defended vulnerable people and remained committed to Guyana’s development throughout his life.
“We give thanks for his life, his wisdom, his guidance and above all, his example,” the party said.
The statement did not disclose the date, location or cause of his death.
Born Sydney King, Kwayana was involved with the original People’s Progressive Party (PPP) before joining the People’s National Congress (PNC). He later co-founded the WPA in 1974.
He served as a parliamentarian and Cabinet member in the PPP government formed in 1953, and held the positions of assistant general secretary of the PPP and general secretary of the PNC. He also edited the PNC newspaper New Nation.
Within the WPA, Kwayana served as an executive member and parliamentarian, and played a leading editorial role in the party’s publications, Open Word and Dayclean. The party remembered him as an organiser and mobiliser whose integrity and independent thinking shaped his political work.
Beyond party politics, Kwayana held several public-sector leadership positions between 1964 and 1971. These included heading the National Land Settlement Committee and chairing the Guyana Marketing Corporation. He also chaired committees focused on cooperative insurance and the transformation of the Guyana Cooperative Credit Society into a cooperative bank.
Kwayana was also a leading advocate for African Guyanese cultural awareness. He co-founded the African Society for Racial Equality in 1961 and the African Society for Cultural Relations with Independent Africa (ASCRIA) in 1964. Both organisations promoted cultural awareness, pride and dignity among African Guyanese.
He served as ASCRIA’s coordinating elder and adopted the name Eusi Kwayana, which the WPA said means “Black Man of Guyana” in Swahili.
The party urged Guyanese to celebrate his life and contributions to the country.
“Farewell African star, Guyanese treasure and Caribbean wise man,” it said.
