By Sue-Ann Wayow
A TRUE patriot, champion of the people, a powerhouse and a catalyst for positive change.
Those were the words used by Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar to describe social activist Dr Hazel Brown who passed away on Thursday.
In a tribute Persad-Bissessar referred to Dr Brown as her dear friend and sister whom she had known upon entering public life for the first time as an alderwoman in the late 1980s.
As Prime Minister, Persad-Bissessar said she always valued her wise counsel and respected her for speaking up on issues that required action.
As a gender and consumer rights activist, Dr Brown always stood for the oppressed and those unfairly discriminated against. She fearlessly championed equal rights and worked tirelessly to advance women’s rights Persad-Bissessar said.
It was for her advocacy and work in this area that she took the decision in 2011 to appoint Dr Brown as Special Envoy on Women and Gender Equality.
Dr Brown was also bestowed in 2011, the Medal for the Development of Women (Gold) for her dedicated work in advancing women’s rights and issues.
Persad-Bissessar said, “Our society and lives today have all been greatly improved through her contributions and sacrifices, and her passing is a great loss to our country. Hazel was truly a powerhouse and a catalyst for improving the lives of so many here at home and throughout the region.
“Today, our nation mourns the passing of a true patriot, who dedicated her life to service and the upliftment of her fellow countrymen and women. As we reflect on her legacy of service and activism, we must seek to honour her by continuing the work of building a nation that she envisioned; a nation in which all citizens can live productive lives and prosper.”
Brown is survived by her four children – Dr Leah Brown, Carla Brown-Antoine, Garvin Brown and Natasha Nunez.
