First Chief Secretary of Tobago House of State passes away

Hochoy Charles, the first Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of State, sadly passed away on Sunday following a long battle with sickness. Hochoy Charles was also known as the "heavy roller" and is seen as a significant leadership figure in the nation's history, known best for his patriotism and perseverance. Prime Minister Keith Rowley was among those who mourned his passing and wrote beautifully about the man behind the leader on a Facebook post, "His advocacy and steadfastness have benefited all of Tobago. Even as he aspired to greater autonomy for Tobago, this can in no way diminish what has been accomplished, nor can it be superficially exploited by late risers who are yet to travel half his course. Tobago has lost a valued son and would celebrate his life as one who contributed to her development."

Despite not keeping well and subsequently being hospitalized, his dedication towards helping Tobago gain its autonomy did not wane in the least bit. Chief Secretary Farley Augustine spoke of his visits to Charles' hospital, where he was often more concerned about the fight for Tobago's autonomy than his own health.

Farley Augustine stated that the nation has lost a true patriot, one who has been an integral part of the country's greatest fights, leaving behind him an undeniable legacy that will be hard to emulate.

"You served the nation of Trinidad and Tobago well during the dark days following the 1990 Coup. You served Tobago as its first Chief Secretary in 1996. You took bold decisions and paid a heavy political prize (sic) for some of them."

"You were unfairly characterized by some who will hypocritically stand up today to sing your praises. You took some blows for executing advice from some in the space, who disappeared after things didn't go as planned."

A big part of this indelible legacy is his collaboration with Chief Secretary Augustine for Tobago's autonomy, the results of which will be unveiled to Tobago's people in January 2024.

Augustine concluded his statement by saying, "Last night at 10:48 pm, I spoke with your son, and we planned on visiting you today. You had sent the message via a nurse that you wanted to see me. Unfortunately, we travelled home before "day clean". Tobago lost a giant of a man today. Roll on Heavy Roller. Rest in Peace, Hochoy Charles."

Hochoy Charles has many achievements to his name and also served as a Government Senator and Parliamentary Secretary during the 3rd Republican Parliament as a Member of the National Alliance for Reconstruction.

Thus, it is no surprise that his passing has affected not only those who knew him personally but also the people and the nation he served for so long with such zeal and commitment.