File – Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, right, with her husband Dr Gregory Bissessar, and NCIC President Independent Senator Deoroop Teemal, left, at the Divali Nagar last year
By Sue-Ann Wayow
WHAT was meant to be a message of condolence and remembrance for independent senator Deoroop Teemal was criticised by the United National Congress (UNC).
In a media release on Sunday, UNC’s public relations officer Dr Kirk Meighoo slammed Vieira for his earlier statements made alluding to additional political strain placed on Teemal just before his death.
Meighoo stated, “It is with deep dismay that the UNC notes the tasteless, offensive and self-serving statement issued by Senator Anthony Vieira in what should have been a solemn tribute to a departed colleague.
“Shockingly, rather than take this moment to unite the country in honour of Senator Teemal who positively impacted so many lives Senator Vieira shamefully used this occasion of mourning as a platform to needlessly deepen political division, and advance his personal political vendetta and narrative.”
He added, “The UNC regrets Senator Vieira’s distasteful politicisation of Senator Teemal’s passing and calls for the Parliament to honour Senator Teemal’s service and contributions with the grace, respect, and dignity he deserves without the rancour, bitterness, and lack of maturity that Senator Vieira displayed.”
Vieira had stated, “The unmeritorious and deeply unfair attacks levelled against the independent bench and against him personally affected him. He told me of the toll it was taking on his health. He spoke of high blood pressure, of the distress caused to his family by online trolling, and of how the toxicity of our political environment was weighing heavily upon him. He did not deserve that.”
He also said in his tribute, “The Senate is meant to be a safe and honourable space a chamber of sober reflection, where members of parliament can speak freely, question boldly, and decide wisely. Deo understood that. He honoured that. He lived that.”
Vieira was also criticised by government senator Phillip Alexander.
Alexander told Vieira via social media, his comments were inappropriate.
“We all have our positions and opinions individually and collectively, but place and time should have guided you here,” he said.
On June 30, Senate President Wade Mark issued a stern warning in the Senate stating that any attempts to harass, intimidate or pressure senators to vote in a particular way will not be tolerated stating he received correspondence he felt necessary to address.
Before that, Meighoo has questioned the independence of the senators aligning them with President Christine Kangaloo and by extension the People’s National Movement.
A privilege working with him in the Senate
On a different note, former independent senator Dr Varma Deyalsingh said he first met Teemal in 2018 and it was a tremendous privilege working alongside him.
Dr Deyalsingh said, “He believed in doing his part for country, family and culture. After our senate sessions he would drop me to my home and it was during these discussions I knew he was a true patriot. Besides our lively discussions on family life, health, and culture. We discussed how we in our own way could make Trinidad and Tobago a better place for all.”
He was not just a colleague but a friend remembering his last conversation with him on matters of all sorts three weeks ago.
Dr Deyalsingh issued condolences to his wife and family and thanked them for sharing him with the population.
Quiet yet unwavering force
President of SewaTT Revan Teelucksingh remembered him as a valued member of the organisation’s board of advisors, who offered thoughtful guidance and steadfast support, always putting the needs of the community above himself.
Teemal who served as President of the National Council for Indian Culture (NCIC) made the Divali Nagar compound in Chaguanas available to SewaTT.
Teelucksingh said, “His generousity in making the NCIC compound available for countless humanitarian efforts including blood drives, emergency food distribution and the historic establishment of Trinidad and Tobago’s first mass vaccination site during the pandemic was a testament to his servant leadership.”
In his role as an independent senator, he carried himself with duty, patriotism, and integrity, leaving a lasting impact on the Senate and the nation, he said.
Teelucksingh said, “While we grieve this great loss, we are comforted by his example and inspired to carry forward his legacy. In his own quiet way, he reminded us: ‘Together, we serve better.’”
