Caption: Hans Hanoomansingh

By Alicia Chamely

CULTURAL icon and veteran media personality, Hansley “Hans” Hanoomansingh has passed away at 84.

Hanoomansingh’s passing was announced on social media by his brother Gideon Hanoomansingh, who confirmed the Hummingbird Medal winner had been battling illness.

In his post, Gideon Hanoomansingh said, “In response to tremendous outpouring via social media and phone calls, I confirm with great sadness, the passing of my dear brother Hans, a true patriot of Trinidad and Tobago whose contribution to nation building was selfless and exemplary.”

Born in La Lomas, Hanoomansingh moved to Chaguanas as a young boy. He would later serve as Member of Parliament for the area, winning the seat in the 1966 general elections.

Hanoomansingh’s greatest contributions were not to politics but to culture and broadcasting.

As head of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC), the Divali Nagar was conceptualised and introduced in 1990.

He was a pioneering broadcaster, spending many years at Radio Trinidad and the National Broadcasting Service, where worked assiduously to promote Indian culture.

Hanoomansingh was awarded the Hummingbird Medal Gold in 1990 for his contributions to culture and media.

On Saturday numerous tributes were sent in honour of Hanoomansingh.

Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles said, “His work to uplift and preserve parts of our cultural identity, particularly through the lens of Indo-Trinbagonian history and traditions, reflected a deep love for country and community.”

Dr Devant Maharaj said, “Hans was more than a pioneering media professional. He was a man of immense dignity and unwavering commitment to truth, culture and nation-building.”