THE late Basdeo Panday is the most quotable national figure of Trinidad and Tobago.
This was the tribute to Panday by Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Dr Amery Browne after the passing of Trinidad and Tobago’s fifth prime minister on Monday.
Dr Browne said, “Basdeo Panday has been a name synonymous with the national life and politics of Trinidad and Tobago for more than a generation.
“This iconic former Prime Minister and trade unionist was a most charismatic leader, and he had the superb ability to disarm anyone and just about any situation with his broad smile and legendary wit. The Silver Fox had so many unique attributes, and he long established himself as our most quotable national figure.
He was very much a family man, keeping his wife and daughters as close as possible, whilst at the same time enjoying an aura through which he came across as very much accessible to the wider national community.
“On a personal level he never failed to pause for a friendly chat and to offer words of advice that went far beyond mere political politeness. You always felt that he was fully invested in the moment.
“Those attributes and that sense of contact and proximity to the national pulse established and maintained Basdeo Panday as a force to be reckoned with in the national life of Trinidad and Tobago, and his iconic status is certain to be enduring.
“I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family, his many loved ones, his colleagues, and the wider national community.”
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