Former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday has passed away.
This was confirmed by his daughter Mickela Panday this evening.
In a post to social media a short while ago, she said, “With deep sorrow, we would like to share that our loving husband and father, Basdeo Panday, passed away on 1st January 2024, surrounded by his family."
She added, "In life and death he was a fighter. He passed with his boots on, keeping everybody around him on their toes with his wit and humour. He will live on in all of us, remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, leader, and friend. He was an inspiration to his family and everybody that knew him. We will continue to celebrate his life and treasure the time we were able to spend with him."
Panday, who celebrated his 90th birthday on May 25, was Trinidad and Tobago’s fifth prime minister, serving from 1995-2001.
He was the founder and leader of the United National Congress up to 2010 when he was replaced by Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
In early December 2023, Panday, after consultation with local doctors over a medical concern, had travelled to the United States for a check-up by doctors there.
Current UNC leader Persad-Bissessar took to social media moments after the news began circulating to offer her condolences.
"I am saddened that Mr Panday has passed away. I will always love him and be grateful that he was a significant influence in my life," Persad-Bissessar wrote on Facebook.
"He was a great leader and spent most years of his life helping the oppressed and poor. Mr Panday will always be remembered with love and adoration by all of us whose lives he touched.
"I express my condolences to all his loved ones. May his soul rest in peace. He will be missed but will always be remembered and loved."
President Christine Kangaloo also offered condolences to his family, friends and all those mourning his death, saying she was deeply saddened at Panday's passing.
"Union leader, politician, statesman, husband and father, Mr Panday, though diminutive in stature, was a giant of a man who led this country with passion and compassion," Kangaloo said in a statement.
