Samal Duggins mourns demise of Basdeo Panday

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Marine Resources, Sports, Creative Economy and Entertainment and the Arts of St Kitts and Nevis, Samal Duggins extended condolences to the former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Basdeo Panday.

While bidding farewell to the former PM, Samal Duggins shared his picture with him on social media and stated that “we laid to rest Basdeo Panday, not just a former Prime Minister, but a son of this soil, a champion of the forgotten and a beacon of hope for generations.”

Talking about Basdeo Pandey, Minister Duggins stated that he was a man of the people, he was a storyteller whose every word exuded warmth and endeared him to the people he served so faithfully.

Shedding light on his wholesome nature, Samal Duggins stated that he used to dance with the carnival crowds, ate roti with shopkeepers and speak the language of the streets with utmost grace.

“His leadership was transformative. Let us not just remember him for the policies he developed and for the victories he emerged but for the spirit he ignited,” said Minister Duggins.

Minister Duggins also talked about the great leadership qualities of Basdeo Panday and stated that his leadership was not just about titles and power. Instead, it was about the services he rendered to the nation and for the empathy he had for the citizens of his country. A widely recognised and appreciated facet of his time as a leader was his dedication towards making the country a better place.

Extending his deepest condolences to the former PM’s family, Minister Duggins stated “I offer my deepest condolences to his family, friends and citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. We mourn the loss of a leader, a mentor and a friend. But in our grief, let us also find solace in the legacy he left all of us behind.”

He also requested that citizens let the positive spirit, infectious laughter and unwavering commitment and dedication to justice displayed by Basdeo Panday, be the guiding light for the nation. He stated that Basdeo Panday has left us but his flame burns and should always remain in the hearts of all the people who love and admire him.

Notably, the funeral of the former PM took place on Tuesday, 9 January 2024 at the car park of the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts. His daughters conducted the last rites of Basdeo Panday as per his last wishes.

This cremation exemplifies the spirit of Trinidad and Tobago, a small island nation which respects individuals irrespective of gender, caste, colour or any other biases.