Marco De Souza, PPP Veteran, Laid to Rest at Age 74
The Guyana Times reports that Marco De Souza, a veteran member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), political activist, former Member of Parliament, Toshao, Justice of Peace, and popular musician, passed away at age 74 and was laid to rest on October 20, 2026. President Dr Irfan Ali and PPP General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo delivered tributes at his funeral.
According to the Guyana Times, Marco De Souza, a political activist, former Member of Parliament, Toshao, Justice of Peace, and popular musician, was interred on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. He passed away peacefully after a short illness at the age of 74. The De Souza family originates from Sants Rosa, Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini).
President Dr Irfan Ali attended the funeral service at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church in Georgetown, alongside relatives, government officials, and PPP representatives, where he offered glowing tributes. President Ali acknowledged Marco De Souza's service to the region and his sacrifices in the fight for democracy, stating these would be a lasting part of his legacy.
At a highly emotional gathering of party activists at the PPP's headquarters, Freedom House, Georgetown, the General Secretary of the PPP, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, described Marco as an outstanding activist and a comrade who struggled for democracy and a better Guyana, recognizing his decades of struggle in the country.
Minister of Housing Collin Croal, who serves as the Government Parliamentary Representative for Region One, joined numerous mourners at Santa Rosa, Moruca, to pay respects to Marco De Souza. The Minister praised his unwavering dedication to the advancement of the people of Guyana, his personal sacrifice, and his political conviction. Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne-Shadeek, along with Regional Chairman Mr Brenton Ashley, also paid tribute to Marco.
The Guyana Times noted that Marco De Souza had been subjected to political harassment described as dirty and nasty, and he had been detained multiple times without ever being convicted. The report also mentioned that his strong commitment to the PPP was and remains a part of the De Souza family legacy.