“Fear not, Terry is here,” a familiar phrase often said by Martin Terry Rondon, will no longer be heard by residents of Toco and environs, and all the places he traversed around the country to help those in need.
Rondon, 74, a long-standing councillor and stalwart of the People’s National Movement, died shortly after lunch at his Trincity home yesterday.
He had been ailing for some time.
A recipient of a national award, he garnered numerous accolades during his over 20 years of service in local government.
Initially elected as the councillor for the Electoral District of Toco/Fishing Pond (now Valencia East/Toco) in 1995, he continued to be re-elected on every occasion until he withdrew from electoral politics this year.
Fondly known as Uncle Terry, his influence extended across various areas throughout T&T.
He served as a councillor in the region of Toco/Sangre Grande, a position he held as an elected councillor for an impressive 27 years.
Rondon ultimately rose to the position of chairman of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation for two terms.
Uncle Terry an angel now
Rondon’s life began in humble surroundings in rural Matelot, where he emerged as a household name.
Despite his official responsibilities as chairman and councillor, Rondon extended his assistance beyond the confines of his constituency, eager to aid not only those within T&T, but those beyond this country’s borders.
Speaking to Guardian Media outside Rondon’s Trincity home, his daughter Josanne Rondon said her father peacefully passed away at home, cradled in his wife’s arms.
“My world was shattered into a million pieces. My daddy has gained his wings, and he has gone to heaven. As many of you would know, he was ailing for some time, but he was getting better, so this was not expected at all. He died peacefully and he died in the arms of the woman he loved the most, my mother,” Josanne said.
“In as much as I am sad, I know my father lived a wonderful life. He did what he loved doing—helping people, loving his family, and worshipping his God. It’s hard today, it’s really hard. I feel so empty, but my daddy lived 74 years of a good life,” she added.
Pondering the thought of saying farewell to her father, Josanne said, “This is by far the worst thing that I have to do, the worst I have ever experienced. We will make funeral arrangements and keep you all informed.”
Rondon was also known as the Toco Santa Claus when he stepped away from his role as councillor for the area.
PNM stalwart
Tributes and condolences poured in for Rondon and among those reaching out to his grieving family was Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley who spoke with them during a phone call.
The People’s National Movement also extended condolences, acknowledging Rondon’s career and service to the party.
PNM General Secretary Foster Cummings reflected on the life of his friend and colleague, stating, “Terry was a true servant of the people. He was deeply loved by those he served and was considered a true PNM stalwart. We will all miss Martin Terry Rondon.”
The media release highlighted that at all events, Rondon provided unwavering support to the People’s National Movement, showcasing his distinguished yet grounded presence. The party said no meeting was without “Uncle Terry”, who shared his knowledge and kindness wherever he went.
“Uncle Terry’s enormous heart and boundless hospitality were evident in his generosity—whether gifting fish, tattoo, lappe, ground provisions, vegetables, or fruits. No visitor could escape the region without being treated to a feast of local delicacies,” it said.
In January 2020, at the PNM’s 64th-anniversary celebrations, Rondon received the Dr Eric Williams Medal of Honour for his long, outstanding, and meritorious service to the party. In 2022, he was honoured with the PNM Volunteer Factory’s Lifetime Award for his exemplary service. Later that month, he was awarded the Hummingbird Medal Gold, recognising his record tenure as a local government practitioner. He dedicated his national award to the people from Matelot to Matura.
The present PNM Councillors and Aldermen at the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation also paid tribute.
“Chairman Rondon’s style of politics was visionary and inspirational, evident in his clear demonstration of all-inclusiveness, with a focus on his mantras of ‘Good for one, Good for all’ and ‘Every mouth shall be fed.’”
“He impacted the lives not only of his burgesses in Toco/Fishing Pond and then Valencia East/Toco but also the lives of individuals throughout the length and breadth of Sangre Grande, Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean, and ultimately, the world.”
