Chairman of the Penal/ Debe Regional Corporation Diptee Rannath has died after ailing for some time.
He was the first PNM councillor to be part of the PDRC. Loyal supporters especially from the Goodman Trace and Penal Rock Road area supported Ramnath who brought much-needed infrastructural development to his community.
That's because in 2003 when the UNC rejected him as the candidate for councillor, Ramnath left the party and joined the PNM where he successfully won his seat.
In 2010, he again switched sides returning to the UNC.
Ramnath started as a small contractor doing electrical installations and later expanded to installing electrical poles for families across the country. He leaves to mourn his wife, Debbie.
Meanwhile, Ramnath's friend and charter president of the Rotary Club of Penal Surujdeo Mangaroo said he was deeply saddened by his passing.
He said Ramnath was an avid supporter of the Rotary Club of Penal.
"He was a Charter Member of our Club when we got chartered in October, 2002. His dedication to the community and his unwavering support for our organisation will always be remembered," Mangaroo said.
He described Ramnath as a true leader.
His death means there will now be a by-election in the Quinam/ Morne Diablo seat which Ramnath won in August's local government election.
Deputy Chairman Gowtam Maharaj is expected to take over the role of chairman while the UNC executives appoint a vice chairman.
Guardian Media will bring you more on this story.