As 2023 drew to a close yesterday, Tobago was forced to say goodbye to one of its most passionate advocates who died after ailing for some time. The island’s first ever Chief Secretary Hochoy Charles, revered as a true patriot and dubbed the “Heavy Roller” passed away at 4:26 yesterday morning. He died at the Scarborough General Hospital. He was 77 years old.
On the news of his passing, tributes flowed in from all corners of the island as well as from Trinidad.
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, in a social media post, was the first to announce publicly his death and paid tribute to Charles’ dedication, describing him as patient, prayerful, and determined.
Augustine said Tobago lost a “giant.”
“I was initially hesitant about if I should let you in. But you insisted on being let into my world. You even publicly insisted. Then our friendship blossomed, and I discovered that you were nothing like how your detractors portrayed you,” stated Augustine.
He said Charles was critical without being condemnatory and always willing to see things from other points of view.
Describing Charles as “one of our best fighters,” Augustine said: “You were a true patriot. You believed in the dream for Tobago’s autonomy, so much so, that while I was visiting you in hospital, you were more concerned about the fight for autonomy than your own health.”
Augustine revealed that it was in July that Charles’ health began to decline.
Perhaps your greatest fight started around July this year. It was from then that I realised that I couldn’t reach you at all...Only to find out that you were not well...We knew then that the fight was a hard one, but you fought on nonetheless. You have done more than enough for this island and God will do the rest.”
It was not immediately clear what Charles had been ailing with and his cause of death, since he was said to be notoriously private about his health struggles.
‘Patriotic powerhouse’
In 1996, Charles became Tobago’s first Chief Secretary as the political leader of the Tobago National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR) where he took charge of the Tobago House of Assembly. Four years later the PNM Tobago Council defeated Charles and his team.
He served as a Government Senator and Parliamentary Secretary during the 3rd Republican Parliament as a Member of the NAR between 1988 to 1991.
Years later Charles formed a party called the Platform of Truth.
He was largely regarded as one of the main architects of the THA Act and was said to have a thorough knowledge of governing the island and its relationship with the Central Government inside and out.
Despite, being on the other side of the political divide, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley also paid tribute to Charles saying: “Tobago has lost a valued son.”
In a post on his Facebook page, the Prime Minister described Charles as a “patriotic powerhouse” leader in Tobago for decades.
“There can be no dispute over the fact that Hochoy Charles, affectionately known as the ‘Heavy Roller,’ has been a patriotic powerhouse in the leadership of Tobago for decades.”
Rowley said Charles’ unwavering dedication has greatly benefited the entire island.
“His advocacy and steadfastness have benefited all of Tobago. Even as he aspired to greater autonomy for Tobago, this can in no way diminish what has been accomplished nor can it be superficially exploited by late risers who are yet to travel half his course.”
Deep love for Tobago
The political leader of the PNM Tobago Council and former Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis acknowledged Charles’ love for Tobago and his integrity. Dennis quoted Charles: “If God forbid, Trinidad was to be totally wiped out by a disaster that did not touch Tobago, we in Tobago dead too. Internal Self Government will fix that.”
He went on to say that even as his political opponent, he respected Charles.
“I was convinced that he loved Tobago more than himself. He was consistent, respectable, and honourable; traits that are far from many politicians these days. Charles spoke his truth and his convictions frankly without compromise.
“He called out nonsense and expressed his displeasure whether it was PNM, PDP, Independent, or TPP. Such was the character of the man. We’ve lost a giant voice and bank of knowledge, especially in times of controversy.”
Former Chief Secretary Kelvin Charles said Hochoy Charles played a big role in Tobago’s history with his input in the formation of the THA as well as his work in championing Tobago’s autonomy bill.
“His commitment to Tobago’s thrust for autonomy, you can’t fault him there. What was significant is when he was willing to work with Orville London as part of the forum of political parties, the work of which is before the joint select committee.
“He had the unenviable task of operationalising Act 40 of 1996. That was the first time that Tobago really had elevated governance. It was a fundamental shift or departure from Act 37 of 1980. He had the responsibility of charting that course. That, in my mind, presented a significant doing on his part. He started the work of building Tobago’s government structure. He had his own style and leadership approach.”
Neighbours remember
a good man
Recently, Golden Lane residents honoured Charles by renaming the street he lived on to Hochoy Charles Heights. One relative, George Ross, said Charles will be remembered for his contribution and his tenacity. “He was a good man. I can’t say he was a bad man. He did a lot for Tobago also.”
Villagers and neighbours felt the same.
A man who identified himself only as Jabie praised Charles for his commitment to Tobago.
“He was a very good man. When I say a good man, he did a lot by extending the road all along the island.”
Meanwhile, the leader of the Progressive Democratic Patriots, Watson Duke, described Charles as a stalwart in the fight for Tobago’s autonomy, as well as a vigilant fighter for more rights for Tobagonians.
Retired Public Service head Reginald Dumas said his unwavering commitment to Tobago is unmatched.
“He was a very strong Tobago nationalist. His commitment was firm and answering to Tobago.”
Funeral arrangements for Hochoy Charles are yet to be announced.