Elvin Mc David dies

Former political advisor to then prime minister Forbes Burnham, Elvin Bernard Mc David died yesterday in Jamaica after a series of prolonged illnesses.

He was 70 years old.

His longtime friend Justice Brassington Reynolds confirmed the death to Stabroek News and informed that the Mc David’s family will be issuing a press release on his passing.

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNC-R) in a statement said that Mc David died in Jamaica where he was receiving medical attention.

According to the PNC-R, in addition to serving as political assistant to Burnham, Mc David also had stints as minister of Information and Culture and ambassador to the Soviet Union.

He is credited with much of the pioneering work for the hosting of the first Caribbean Festival of the Arts (Carifesta) and the establishment of the Guyana National Service (GNS).

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, who also served during the Forbes Burnham administration Rashleigh Jackson told Stabroek News that Mc David was very close to Burnham and was one of the main founders of the Burnham foundation.

He said that Mc David’s passing was sad and he will be remembered by politicians for the role he played in helping to advise Burnham.

The PNCR stated that Mc David was born in Georgetown on June 10, 1944 and was educated at St Mary’s RC School, St Stanislaus College, University of Birmingham and the University of the West Indies.