By Sue-Ann Wayow
FORMER government minister Dr Lenny Saith has died.
Dr Saith passed away at his home at Sumadh Gardens, San Fernando. His death was announced publicly by Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles during an Opposition press conference just after midday.
Dr Saith first entered politics at around 1987 and decades of service to the people of Trinidad and Tobago, holding several ministerial portfolios across successive parliaments, including Planning and Development, Public Administration and Information, Energy and Energy Industries, and serving as Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister.
He was also a Leader of Government Business in the Senate for ten years and acted as Prime Minister on several occasions under the Patrick Manning led administration.
And he held key positions in the People’s National Movement (PNM) party.
Beckles said, “Dr Saith was very soft spoken, but very humble, extremely effective…We extend our condolences as some-one who served Trinidad and Tobago as a very humble but as a very dedicated and committed person.”
President Christine Kangaloo also extended condolences to his family, friend and colleagues.
“The Office of the President expresses profound gratitude for his enduring service to our nation, and joins the national community in mourning his loss,” the office stated.
“An engineer by profession, he distinguished himself through his leadership, dedication, and commitment to national development.”
In recognition of his significant contribution to public service and the advancement of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Saith was awarded the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in 2017.
Former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley also shared condolences.
“I am very saddened by the news as I reflect on my long association with this stalwart of public service to all the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” he posted on his social media page.
Dr Rowley said throughout his various responsibilities, Dr Saith was never ruffled nor was he ever too busy to respond as needed by his colleagues or country.
He said, “In all these years of sharing time, space and responsibility with him, through storms and even provocations, I have never seen him frown or utter a word in anger. He was always that calming voice that steered discussions to reason and good outcomes.
“My family and I extend our sincerest condolences to the Saith family and all those who today would have lost a truly remarkable friend of this nation and trust that somewhere in our nation another citizen like him exists and is about to emerge.”
