By Sue-Ann Wayow

THE People’s National Movement (PNM) is  mourning the passing of one of its stalwarts, former senator Garvin Simonette.

In a release on Wednesday, PNM’s General Secretary Foster Cummings said, “Born into a family of strong activism and social consciousness, it was no surprise that Garvin’s life would eventually lead him along the path of politics.”

 He was the son of the PNM’s first general secretary, Senator Nicholas Simonette, and Hummingbird Medal Silver (2011) recipient, the Irma ‘Mother Ipyana’ Simonette, both of whom have passed on.

Garvin’s first foray into the parliament was as a temporary government senator in 2016. In September, 2018, he was made a government senator and served in that capacity until August 2019.

In the Parliament, he was known as deep researcher who frequently presented scholarly discourses in his debates, Cummings said.

An attorney by profession, he specialised in company, commercial and taxation law, and was known for his skill and professionalism in the field, locally, regionally and internationally.

Cummings said, “Garvin was dedicated to Trinidad and Tobago, and did all that he could to represent this country to the best of his ability. We are grateful to Garvin for his contribution to our party and our country.

“The PNM commiserates with his wife, Allison, their daughter Asiah and the entire family and our sincerest condolences are extended.”