By Alicia Chamely
THE man with the golden voice, a patriot and cultural icon.
Heartfelt tributes to the late Hansley Hans Hanoomansingh echoed through the Lower House of Parliament on Monday, as government, opposition MPs and Speaker of the House paid homage to the former parliamentarian.
Parliament was convened on Monday for an Extraordinary Sitting to debate the State of Emergency (SoE), extending the SoE by 30 days and to appoint the regiment bases Tetron and Stables Bay as a convict depot.
Minister of Public Utilities and Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath said Hanoomansingh was not only a man with a golden voice, but also a man with a golden soul.
He said Hanoomansingh, who was only 24 years old when he become a parliamentarian, paved the way for young parliamentarians such as himself.
Padarath speaking on Hanoonmansingh’s promotion of Indian culture and impact it had on the national identity of Trinidad and Tobago, said, “The work of Dr Hansley Hanoomansingh lives in the multicultural tapestry of Trinidad and Tobago through his significant contribution towards national development.”
On the magnitude Hanoomansingh’s loss, Padarath said, “Our nation is now much poorer on the passing of this great son of our soil.”
Speaking the Opposition, Member of Parliament for Diego Martin Central Symon de Nobriga said, “Mr Hanoomansingh was more than a public figure he could be considered a bridge between cultures, between eras and between the people and the institutions meant to serve them.”
It was, however, the tribute offered by Speaker of the House Jagdeo Singh that captured the weight of Hanoomansingh’s influence on T&T in the parliament, in the media and on national culture.
Singh said, “The passing of Hansley Hans Hanoomansingh to some of us, marks the end of an era—a loss that echoes through the chambers of Parliament, the corridors of media houses, and the hearts of citizens across Trinidad and Tobago. His was a life defined by unwavering service, a distinctive voice that narrated our national journey across generations of audiences. This unique voice was part of a legacy etched in the cultural, political, and intellectual fabric of this nation.”
He said, “His remembrance bears testament to his towering presences as a patriot and nation builder, media veteran, immeasurable contributor to culture and a golden voice.”
Speaking of Hanoomansingh’s time a parliamentarian, representing the Democratic Labour Party, Singh said, he advocated for greater public accountability and bringing the parliament closer to the people.
He quoted Hanoomansingh saying, “In his words: ‘Parliament is supreme, and we have got a responsibility as the representatives of the people of Trinidad and Tobago to have them informed..’”
Singh discussed Hanoomansingh as the founder of Heritage Radio 101.7 FM and his vital role in the establishment of the Divali Nagar.
He said, “Dr. Hansley Hanoomansingh was not merely a broadcaster, a politician, or a businessman. He was, at his core, a nation builder – one who understood that the measure of patriotism lies not in words alone, but in the quiet, tireless work of shaping institutions, elevating culture and empowering people.”
Singh said, “His golden voice may now be silent, but his message; his principle; and his love for Trinidad and Tobago will endure. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations to serve with dignity, speak with courage and live with purpose.”
Dr. Hansley Hans Hanoomansingh passed away on July 4 at the age of 83.
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 representing the Democratic Labour Party (DLP).
Hanoomansingh’s greatest contributions were not to politics but culture and broadcasting.
As head of the National Council of Indian Culture, 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.
