Tributes pour in for Mahabir
One of the better energy ministers
By Richard Lord (T&T Guardian)
Published: Monday, September 21, 2015
Former prime minister Dr Eric Williams, left, and Errol Mahabir, centre, and Kamaluddin Mohammed in an undated photo taken in the 1960s.Chairman of the People’s National Movement (PNM) Franklin Khan in his tribute to former PNM deputy political leader Errol Mahabir, who died at hospital on Saturday, said he was a servant of the PNM in no short order.
Mahabir was also MP for San Fernando West from 1966 to 1986.
Mahabir served as Minister of Petroleum and Minies, Foreign Affairs and Labour under the country’s first and second prime ministers, Dr Eric Williams and George Chambers, both deceased.
Mahabir was 84. Khan told Guardian Media Ltd’s Sky 99.5 FM yesterday that his passing was “a shock and surprise” to the PNM although he was ailing.
“Mahabir will be remembered as one of the better ministers of energy the PNM has ever produced. He has been instrumental in the development of the Point Lisas Industrial Estate. So his contribution to T&T is unquestionable but his contribution in particular to San Fernando and the industrialisation of South and Central Trinidad is really his legacy,” Khan said.
The party’s general secretary Ashton Ford said the party became aware of Mahabir’s death yesterday. He described Mahabir “as an outstanding member of the PNM.”
“Mr Mahabir made his mark as a negotiator while working at the Ministry of Labour and also as Minister of Foreign Affairs, “ Ford said.
According to Ford, the PNM’s political leader, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, presented Mahabir with an award two years ago for his outstanding contribution to the 60-year-old party.
Mahabir’s family also issued a statement yesterday on his passing. It said the family was “heartbroken” by his death after a brief illness. He was described as “a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.”
The statement also said: “Mahabir, who rose from very humble beginnings to national recognition, never forgot his origins.”
Mahabir had 20 years in public service, a minister of government and the mayorship of his hometown of San Fernando.
The statement said Mahabir “served his nation proudly, but he never sought praise or accolades. Rather he was comfortable just knowing that he was doing the best that he could for his country.”
It said after he demitted office following the National Alliance for Reconstruction’s defeat in 1986, Mahabir became active in the business sector, assisting his family with the management of the Damus Group, and serving on numerous boards of directors in both the public and private sectors.
As much as Mahabir cherished his privacy, the family stated, he always appreciated the expressions of goodwill from people from all walks of life across the country and abroad. The family thanked all for their continued outpouring of love.
“Errol will be dearly missed,” his family said in the statement.
Another founding member of the PNM Kamaluddin Mohammed, 88, was last week warded at hospital for two and was discharged on Friday and is now home resting comfortably. Hours later, he was visited by Rowley and Health Minister Dr Terrence Deyalsingh.
His son, Alimuddin Mohammed, said yesterday on behalf of his father and the immediate Mohammed family, he offered condolences to Mahabir’s wife, Yvonne, their children and grandchildren.
He said Mahabir had “always been in contact with my father and the family over the years.”
“He was a great friend and Cabinet colleague of Mr Mohammed who worked very hard in early days.”
A dedicated patriot—KamlaPolitical leader of the United National Congress (UNC) Kamla Persad-Bissessar says former government minister Errol Mahabir was a committed and dedicated patriot, who raised the country’s profile nationally and internationally through his professionalism and work ethic.
Mahabir, a former MP for San Fernando West, and deputy political leader of the PNM, who was ailing, died at his at Southern Medical Centre on Saturday.
Persad-Bissessar is expected to be sworn in as Opposition Leader at the Office of the President, St Ann’s this afternoon.
In a statement yesterday she said Mahabir was “an outstanding political icon who will be remembered for his sterling contribution to the development of T&T, putting country ahead of partisan political interests.”
Persad-Bissessar, a former prime minister, said in 2010, her People’s Partnership Government “awarded Mahabir the Chaconia Medal Gold for his long and dedicated service.”
She said the country was “poorer today with the loss of this humble and patriotic son.”
Former energy minister Kevin Ramnarine, who honoured Mahabir in September 2014, stated in a post on Facebook : “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Errol Mahabir. He was a friend and a mentor to me. On numerous occasions during my term as Energy Minister I turned to him for advice on critical decisions. We have lost a great citizen and a patriot.”
