T&T | Former T&T Prime Minister Basdeo Panday has died at age 90

PORT-OF-SPAIN,  Trinidad and Tobago, January 1, 2024 - One of the most colourful politicians in the Caribbean, Former Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Basdeo Panday died today at the age of 90.

Panday died on Monday, New Year’s Day, surrounded by family, his daughter Mickela said in a statement.

“In life and death he was a fighter. He passed with his boots on, keeping everybody around him on their toes with his wit and humour,” Mickela Panday said.

“He will live on in all of us, remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, leader, and friend. He was an inspiration to his family and everybody that knew him. We will continue to celebrate his life and treasure the time we were able to spend with him,” she added.

In an early tribute, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley said "It is with sadness that I received the news today that the actor, Lawyer, Labour leader and Politician that was Basdeo Panday has passed on."

"This is a man, a citizen, whose impact was felt at every step of the way as he made his mark so indelibly on the people of our nation. Having served the nation for so long and in so many different ways, with such resolve and panache, he can only be recognized as a true believer in this nation and its potential.

Now that he is no more, we are called upon not just to mourn but to celebrate his life and endeavour to be worthy colleagues of his legacy.

"My condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues," prime minister Rowley said.

UNC Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar in commenting on the passing of party founder  said "I am saddened that Mr Panday has passed away. I will always love him and be grateful that he was a significant influence in my life."

"He was a great leader and spent most years of his life helping the oppressed and poor. Mr Panday will always be remembered with love and adoration by all of us whose lives he touched.

"I express my condolences to all his loved ones. May his soul rest in peace. He will be missed but will always be remembered and loved," the Opposition Leader said.

Panday, a lawyer, economist, trade unionist, and an actor, served as the fifth prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago from 1995 to 2001. He was the founder of the United National Congress (UNC) in 1989 after a split in the ruling National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR).

Panday's life story is one of resilience and determination. Born in rural Trinidad in 1933, he rose from humble beginnings to become a towering figure in the nation's political arena. His early career as a lawyer and trade unionist laid the foundation for his deep understanding of the struggles of the working class, an understanding that would later inform his political ideology and actions.

His ascent to the Prime Minister's office in 1995 was a historical moment for Trinidad and Tobago. As the first person of Indian descent and the first Hindu to hold this prestigious office, Panday not only broke barriers but also blazed a trail in the nation's political landscape.

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