Francis Vibert DeSouza was a Guyanese politician and former Cabinet Minister.

Early life

Francis Vibert DeSouza was born on 31 December 1944, in Moruka, North West District, Guyana. He was the son of Silvano and Alexandrina Mary (Atkinson).

Career

De Souza was appointed as Guyana's first Minister of Amerindian Affairs in 1992. He first became a Minister of the Government with effect from 20 November 1992, and was designated Minister in the Ministry of Public Works Communications and Regional Development.   On the said date 20 November 1992, Minister De Souza was also assigned responsibility for assisting the Prime Minister with
specific matters pertaining to Amerindian Affairs.  De Souza served throughout the Sixth Parliament until the Parliament was dissolved on the 29 October 1997. He was again appointed a Minister of the Government
with effect from 24 December 1997 and was designated Minister of Amerindian Affairs. He worked in the Seventh Parliament until the Parliament was dissolved on the 15 February 2001. De Souza ceased to be a legislator on the 22 March 2001.

He also wore many hats in his professional career including working as an entrepreneur. He also worked as a Sales Agent at the Hand in Hand Insurance Company; a cultural officer attached to the Agricultural & General Workers Union and a technician, clerk, at the St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital.

Desouza has also served and was a member of several organisations. He was President of Catholic Youth, Guyana (1969-1970); Member Progressive Youth Organization (1972-1982); Vice-president Guyanese Organization of Indigenous People, Guyana (1991-1992).

Personal life

DeSouza was married to wife Mary Mootoo (15 August 1970); and was the father of four children - Sharon Caroline, Sean Andre, Karen Ann, and Karl Alexander.

Death

DeSouza died at this home in Eccles, Guyana on 27 December 2018.  He was 73.