Edith Alphonso was born in Georgetown, British Guiana, in 1929. Her parents were William Alphonso, a postal clerk, and Jane Alphonso, a homemaker. She had two siblings, a brother and a sister.
Alphonso attended St. Rose's High School in Georgetown and then went on to study at the University of London, where she earned a degree in history. She returned to Guyana in 1953 and began teaching at St. Joseph's High School.
In 1957, Alphonso was elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Guiana as a member of the People's Progressive Party (PPP). She was the first woman to be elected to Parliament. In 1964, she was appointed Minister of Education, becoming the first female Minister of Education in Guyana.
As Minister of Education, Alphonso introduced several reforms, including the introduction of free secondary education and the expansion of teacher training programmes. She also played a key role in the development of the University of Guyana.
Alphonso left the PPP in 1974 and joined the People's National Congress (PNC). She served as Minister of Education under the PNC government until 1980.
After leaving the government, Alphonso continued to write and publish books on Guyanese history and culture. She has also been active in the women's movement in Guyana.
Alphonso has received several awards for her contributions to Guyana, including the Cacique's Crown of Honour (the highest national award) and the Golden Arrow of Achievement. She is also a member of the Order of Academic Palms of France.
Edith Alphonso is a pioneer for women in Guyana. She was the first woman to be elected to Parliament, the first female Minister of Education, and the first woman to receive the Cacique's Crown of Honour. She has also made significant contributions to Guyanese history and culture through her writings. Alphonso is an inspiration to women everywhere.
