The former prime minister Basdeo Panday passed away on January 2, 2024, and the Caribbean Community (Caricom) expressed its sincere sadness in a recent statement.
“The honorable Basdeo Panday held a multi-faceted career in service of his country as a politician, trade unionist and civil servant.”
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The statement further states, “He used his exceptional skill as a barrister to advocate passionately for workers’ rights.
“His belief in the value of education, and his ideologies and initiatives, have made a lasting impact on the twin-island republic.”
In his capacity as Caricom chairman, he organized a two-day summit of Caricom leaders under the theme Concluding the 20th Century and Commencing the 21st, intending to equip the community for the upcoming decade.
“He was also active in media and culture as an actor, multi-linguist, and proponent of religious pluralism.
“The community extends heartfelt condolences to his family members and friends and the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago. We join with all who mourn the passing of this son of our soil, who served with determination and passion and made an enduring contribution to our progress and development. May his soul rest in peace.”
On Twitter/X, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness shared his sympathy.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and people of Trinidad and Tobago following the passing of former prime minister Basdeo Panday.
“Former Prime Minister Panday leaves a vast legacy that will be treasured and honored. I pray his family finds strength during this difficult time.”
Former prime minister of Jamaica and PNP Opposition Leader PJ Patterson recounted working with Panday from 1995 to 2001 as a colleague prime minister, a period in which they forged a lasting bond.
He remarked, “His passion to foster economic and social development in a country of racial diversity was matched by his commitment to advance the institutional capacity which would enable the creation of a Single Market and hence his leadership role in securing the seat of the Caribbean Court of Justice for TT.”
Guyana President Dr Irfaan Ali took to Facebook his condolences for the Passing of Panday by posting, “I extend my sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Basdeo Panday, former prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, who passed away yesterday.”
Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, the vice president of Guyana, also sent his sympathies.
“Panday was a lawyer, politician, trade unionist, economist, actor, and former civil servant who served as the fifth prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago from 1995 to 2001.”
The VP ended his message by stating, “May his legacy be a source of comfort, and may cherished memories bring solace during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”
