Pres Ali, VP Jagdeo express condolences on passing of Fmr T&T Prime Minister

Former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Basdeo Panday passed at the age of 90 on Monday with his family by his side.
In a post on her social media page, his daughter, Mickela Panday, stated “With deep sorrow, we would like to share that our loving husband and father, Basdeo Panday passed away on 1st January 2024, surrounded by his family.
In life and death, he was a fighter. He passed with his boots on, keeping everybody around him on their toes with his wit and humour.
He will live on in all of us, remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, leader, and friend.

He was an inspiration to his family and everybody that knew him. We will continue to celebrate his life and treasure the time we were able to spend with him.”
Following his passing, President Dr Irfaan Ali extended his sincere condolences to Panday’s family, friends, and colleagues.
In addition, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on his Facebook page stated: “I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Basdeo Panday.”

“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,” Jagdeo added.
Panday served twice as Prime Minister, from 1995 to 2001 following key elections that marked a turning point for the Indo-Trinidadians who lived on the twin-island nation, whose population is currently 35% East Indian and 34% of African descent.
Panday was a lawyer, economist and union leader who also co-founded three political parties, including the United National Congress. He temporarily stepped down as Opposition Leader of that party after being convicted in 2006 of failing to disclose a bank account in London.

In 2005, Panday and others were charged with corruption and arrested in a case related to an airport construction contract. The charges were later dropped, with supporters claiming the allegations were political persecution.
Further, Panday was the first person of Indian descent to lead a Government in Trinidad and was first elected to Parliament in 1976.
He served as Opposition Leader on five occasions between 1976 and 2010 and was the founding member of three political parties including the now main opposition United National Congress (UNC).
He is survived by his wife, Oma, and his daughter.