Dear Editor,
Former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Basdeo Panday, was a man of many parts. A lawyer, politician, and trade unionist who served as head of government for six years.
He was, however, not given the credit for his role in setting up the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Panday was at the forefront in the establishment of the regional court, hence the reason why Port-of-Spain is the headquarters of the CCJ.
The failure of the ‘twin- island republic’ not to abolish appeals to the Privy Council is the main reason why Panday was not given more recognition for the regional court.
So far only five countries: Guyana, Barbados, Belize, Dominica and St Lucia, have accepted the CCJ as the final appellate Court.
Panday was one of the top Caribbean leaders who were very close to the Guyana Government. He spent a week in Guyana when Cheddi Jagan died. He attended the motorcade from Georgetown to Port Mourant, and witnessed the ceremonies leading up to the cremation at Babu Jaan.
Panday was known as one of the leaders who advocated for Caribbean unity through the University of the West Indies, West Indies Cricket, and other regional sporting activities. He was influential in setting up several regional stadiums in Trinidad and Tobago.
Although he studied law in England, he was in full support of the training of lawyers in the Caribbean.
Panday died at the ripe age of 90. May his soul rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Oscar Ramjeet
