Campbell was born in the Moruca sub-district of Region One on December 26, 1819 to parents who both died when he was at a tender age, leaving him in the care of his grandmother. He was a student of the Santa Rosa Mission School and was someone who had a passion for learning in his early life and this influenced his character as a person with a discovery method.
Campbell married at the age of 31 in 1928 and migrated to various locations in Regions One, Two, Seven and Nine where he was involved in teaching, road construction, gold mining, rubber tapping, fishing and tree spotting.
Campbell married at the age of 31 in 1928 and migrated to various locations in Regions One, Two, Seven and Nine where he was involved in teaching, road construction, gold mining, rubber tapping, fishing and tree spotting.
His political will, however, was aroused during his tenure at the Waini sawmill where Amerindians and other sections of the Guyanese population were seeking representation.
With the proposal of Universal Adult Suffrage in 1951, this gave the Amerindians the opportunity to participate in General Elections as Campbell began to show keener interest in politics.
April 27, 1956 marked the first time in history that Amerindians in Guyana exercised their franchise and the following year, Campbell at the age of 60 was first elected to the Legislative Council of British Guiana.
He subsequently entered the National Labour Front (NLF) and became the first Amerindian to contest the General Elections in British Guiana.
This historical event was the turning point in Stephen Campbell’s personal life which was influenced by a sense of duty towards the Amerindian people.
“In the year 1957, I he entered politics at the request of the Amerindians who felt that they had no one to represent their interests in the Central Government,” Campbell had said.
Among his greatest achievements was the move towards crafting the Amerindian Act and to develop better health facilities, a postal service and agriculture in the North West District.
Campbell died on May 12, 1966 two weeks before Guiana gained Independence from Britain.
With the proposal of Universal Adult Suffrage in 1951, this gave the Amerindians the opportunity to participate in General Elections as Campbell began to show keener interest in politics.
April 27, 1956 marked the first time in history that Amerindians in Guyana exercised their franchise and the following year, Campbell at the age of 60 was first elected to the Legislative Council of British Guiana.
He subsequently entered the National Labour Front (NLF) and became the first Amerindian to contest the General Elections in British Guiana.
This historical event was the turning point in Stephen Campbell’s personal life which was influenced by a sense of duty towards the Amerindian people.
“In the year 1957, I he entered politics at the request of the Amerindians who felt that they had no one to represent their interests in the Central Government,” Campbell had said.
Among his greatest achievements was the move towards crafting the Amerindian Act and to develop better health facilities, a postal service and agriculture in the North West District.
Campbell died on May 12, 1966 two weeks before Guiana gained Independence from Britain.
Tribute is paid to him in acknowledgement for his contributions of being a renowned advocate for Amerindian rights and representation (Stephen Campbell,) the first Amerindian to enter the Legislative Council of then British Guiana. His achievements and vision for the advancement of Amerindians earned him a place in the history of the country. We need more Amerindians like him.!!!
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