Stephen Campbell was an Arawakan Guyanese politician and political activist, and the first Amerindian member of Parliament in Guyanese history.[1][2][3][4]
Stephen Campbell | |
|---|---|
| House of Assembly | |
| In office 1957–1966 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Stephen Joseph Campbell 26 December 1897 Santa Rosa, British Guiana |
| Died | 12 May 1966 (aged 68) Toronto, Canada |
| Political party | National Labour Front (1957-1961) The United Force (1961-1966) |
| Occupation | politician |
Biography edit
Stephen Joseph Campbell was born to Tiburtio A. Campbell and his wife, Maria dos Santos, in Santa Rosa, British Guiana,[5] on 26 December 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.[6][7]
On 10 September 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.[6] In 1961, Campbell changed parties to The United Force.[8] In 1964, he became Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs.[9]
Campbell went to Toronto, Canada for medical treatment, and died there on 12 May 1966,[5] just two weeks before Guyana won independence from Great Britain.[6] He was buried in Canada.[5]
Legacy edit
Campbell is widely regarded as a hero by Amerindian communities in Guyana, and his achievements are celebrated on 10 September every year as a part of Amerindian Heritage Month.[1][2][3][10] Campbelltown has been named after Stephen Campbell.[11] In 2018, the building of the Ministry of Citizenship was renamed after Campbell.[9]
References edit
- ^ a b c Haynes, Andre (18 September 2008). "Treading on Stephen Campbell's Roads: Is the Dream Finally a Reality?". Stabroek News. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
- ^ a b c Anon (9 September 2011). "Stephen Campbell Remembered at Evening of Reflection". Guyana Chronicle Online. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
- ^ a b c Knews (2 September 2011). "21st Century Amerindian Heritage". Kaieteur News. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
- ^ GINA (Guyana's Government Information Agency) (11 September 2011). "Heritage Village celebrations highlight contributions of Parliamentarian Stephen Campbell". Archived from the original on 30 May 2012. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
- ^ a b c "Propagating the Memory of Indigenous Hero, Stephen Campbell". Guyana Chronicle. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ a b c Anon (10 September 2010). "Amerindian Affairs Ministry pays tribute to first Amerindian Legislator, Stephen Campbell". Guyana Chronicle Online. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
- ^ Moruca Newsletter - Santa Rosa. "Wall of Fame: Notable Morucans". Retrieved 9 July 2012.
- ^ "Politics…TUF's trek into history". Stabroek News. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ a b "Public building to be renamed in Stephen Campbell's honour". Department of Public Information. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ Smock, Kirk (2008). Guyana:The Bradt Travel Guide. UK: Bradt Travel Guides. ISBN 978-1-84162-223-1.
- ^ "Indigenous Peoples of the A-B-C countries of South America". Guyana Chronicle. Retrieved 9 September 2020.