The party is mourning the passing of Deodath Ojah-Maharaj, a distinguished party stalwart and public servant whose life was defined by unwavering commitment to national and party service, the PNM stated on Monday.

In a press release from PNM’s General Secretary Foster Cummings, Cummings reminded the public about Ojah-Maharaj’s service in the political arena that stemmed more than four decades.

Born into a politically astute family from Las Lomas #2, Ojah-Maharaj was immersed in public life from an early age. His father served as a former Caroni county councillor in the 1950s -1960s, while his family’s tradition of service also included his brother, former Senator Bissoondath Maharaj and his sister-in-law, former Member of Parliament Indra Sinanan Ojah-Maharaj.

It was in 1970 that he embraced politics as a natural progression through which he could contribute meaningfully to national development.

Among the many positions he held were:

•         Secretary of the St Augustine Constituency (1979)

•         First-ever Cabinet appointee to the National Task Force on Youth, following the social revolution of the 1970s

•         Founding member of the Youth Arm of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha

•         Member of the Junior Chamber’s youth arm of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce

•         Government Senator from 1991 to 1995, during which time he also ably assisted the then Leader of Government Business in the Senate

•         Acting General Secretary of the PNM during the 1990s, where he played a pivotal role in party organisation and development

•         Teacher at primary and secondary schools in Trinidad

In recognition of his long, outstanding, and meritorious service to the PNM, Ojah-Maharaj was among the inaugural recipients of the party’s highest honour, the Dr Eric Williams Medal of Honour, which was bestowed upon him at the PNM’s 48th Annual Convention in November 2018.

“Even in later years, he remained politically active, offering guidance, mentorship, and steadfast support to successive generations of party members,” Cummings said.

He added, “The People’s National Movement remembers Deodath Ojah-Maharaj as a devoted father, teacher, social activist, loyal party man, and friend. His legacy of service, discipline, and dedication will continue to inspire the movement and the nation. The PNM extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who mourn his passing.”