Dear Editor,
President David Granger is known to have a great interest in the history of our nation, hence he suggested that Ogle be renamed the E F Correia International Airport. This is because E F Correia was the first Guyanese Minister of an independent Guyana, responsible for aviation as the Minister of Communications. There is no doubt that other Guyanese served in similar positions in the period of internal self-government, but E F Correia was the first after full independence was achieved.
Eugene Correia was appointed by the Governor to serve in the Legislative Council following the suspension of the constitution, as he was very knowledgeable on matters concerning the interior of Guyana. Other politicians were also included.
Eugene Correia owned shops in the interior and purchased and sold diamonds; this was his business.
Eugene Correia was once the longest serving legislator in Guyana, only to be pipped by Dr Cheddi Jagan for time served, when the Bartica/Potaro district was expanded to include the Essequibo Islands.
Eugene Correia and Mr Oscar Smartt were responsible for introducing the Bartica Regatta many years ago. Eugene Correia was responsible for the planting of potatoes in the Pakaraimas. This proved uneconomical as the seed potatoes had to be flown in; the growth would not reseed.
Eugene Correia and Mr Evan Wong were responsible for building the portage at the Kaburi Wall, Mazaruni River; this back in the 1920s.
Eugene Correia was one of the three leaders leading the three-pronged demonstration to Parliament back in 1962. The other two were Mr LFS Burnham and Mr Peter D’Aguiar.
Eugene Correia founded the Columbite Corporation. This failed when the world price collapsed.
Eugene Correia found and opened up the Itabu Quarry, Mazaruni River.
Eugene Correia built and owned the Karia Hotel in Bartica, with the aim of encouraging tourism.
Eugene Correia is responsible for insisting ‘Pace Foster’ follow the plan and build the side curbs on the Linden Highway.
Eugene Correia left a note for his family when he was due to lead one of the three demonstrations to Parliament on Thursday, 15th February, 1962. It said, “If I am in jail the wedding must go on”. This, as one of his daughters was due to be married on Saturday, 17th February, 1962.
Eugene Correia was a very private person. I only know of some of his efforts as our families were very close for many years. I may be biased, but I believe all I have written are facts.
My spelling may be wrong here or there, and maybe the chronology wrong; you see I got married some fifty-three years and nine months ago, on Saturday, 17th February, 1962. There is more: many believe Guyana is 20 miles deep along a stretch of coastland; in fact it is about 800 miles deep. Our President is right, know our history.
Yours faithfully,
John Willems
