Benjie Gibson was a gentle giant

by david hinds, stabroek news letters

Dear Editor, I just learned of the passing of Benjamin Gibson, the father of well-known activist-scholar, Kean Gibson. Benjie was a gentle giant who donated his services in the fight to make Guyana a better place. I got to know Benjie 35 years ago when he and the late Peter Britton defended me as I faced the courts on charges resulting from my political activity. They were both recruited by Brother Eusi Kwayana. Neither of them charged a penny.

While Peter Britton was flamboyant and scholarly, Benjie Gibson was thorough and measured. His chats with me were less as a client and more as a son. Over the years when I ran into him he was always eager to chat about politics. He was glad that I had dedicated part of my activism to what he referred to as “the plight of the Black Man.” I am glad I got to publicly acknowledge my gratitude to Benjie. He was at the time attending a forum on race at which his daughter, Kean, Freddie Kissoon and I were presenters. Farewell Benjie.

Yours faithfully, David Hinds