Trinidad and Tobago mourns loss of formal PM Basdeo Panday

Trinidad and Tobago: Basdeo Panday- The Former and Fifth Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, departed his ways to heaven on Monday.

Tuesday, 2nd January 2024

Trinidad and Tobago formal PM Basdeo Panday

PC: Facebook

Trinidad and Tobago: Basdeo Panday- the Fifth Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, passed away on 1 January, aged 91. The country mourned his loss with deep grief and extended condolences to his family, wife, Oma Panday and their four daughters. Reportedly, former PM Basdeo Panday was the first person of Indian descent and the first Hindu to hold the office of Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago from 1995 to 2001.

Besides this, he was also an advocate, trade unionist, economist, actor, and former civil servant.

Nation Mourns the Loss

After the news of his Basdeo Panday's. sudden demise came to light, several Ministers and officials from the Government of the nation expressed their sadness and deep grief. They also extended their warm condolences to Panday's family. Dr Keith Rowley, the current and the 7th Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, was also among those who mourned this huge loss to the nation after his sudden demise. In a long Facebook Caption, while expressing his sadness, he mentioned some of the greatest impacts he has left on the lives of everyone in the nation. He also called upon the citizens not to mourn this loss but also to celebrate his life and the Legacy he had made. "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 recognised as a true believer in this nation and its potential," he noted Further, The Minister of Planning and Development and MP for Arima Constituency, Penny Beckles, also reflected on his journey as an Opposition senator and a dedicated MP before becoming the first Indian and Hindu PM of the Nation. "From his early days as an Opposition Senator in 1972 to his tenure as a dedicated Member of Parliament and his leadership roles in prominent political alliances and unions, Panday’s influence was felt across the spectrum," she noted on her recent Facebook post.

Social Media Flooded with Condolences

Meanwhile, social media was filled with numerous sad and woeful comments by users. Many people across Trinidad and Tobago expressed their profound grief and prayed for him and his Legacy to rest in eternal peace. One user, identified as Usama Ali, mentioned," He's the greatest PM we've ever had; I also think the closest leader to Mr Panday we were ever blessed with is Dr Rowley, just sir, have inherited challenging circumstances. RIP LION." "Rest in Eternal Peace, Mr. Basdeo Panday. Your Legacy will live on. Many generations to come will learn about such a great man," another user cited. "Sad indeed., he was a very charismatic character, and despite him being on the opposite side of the political spectrum, he never showed hatred and disrespect for those in power. Condolences to his family, and may his soul rest in perpetual peace," another user commented.