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Tribute To Basdeo Panday And Hochoy Charles By Dr Indira Rampersad

For Release Upon Receipt - January 8, 2024

St. Augustine


The Department of Political Science of The University of the West Indies (The UWI), St Augustine, pays tribute to dearly departed Political Patriots, Basdeo Panday (aged 90) and Hochoy Charles (aged 77) and offers sincere condolences to their families, friends and well-wishers.

Mr. Panday has served as an inspiration to our nation underscoring the heights that great men and women can achieve, even those who hail from humble beginnings. His role as a flamboyant, fearless, fiery, freedom fighter has been well-documented by many academics and non-academics alike from within and outside The UWI and the Caribbean.

His eclectic career as Prime Minister, Trade Unionist, politician and actor, among others, has impacted the lives of many members of The UWI and the national and regional community, particularly through his emphasis on “Education for All” and his doctrine of “National Unity.”

Mr. Panday was a larger-than-life lion of a legend leaving an enduring legacy that few can surpass. This consummate realist politician demonstrated courage, charisma and confidence as well as a mischievous wit, humour and an exceptional gift of the gab which would be sorely missed.

 Mr. Hochoy Charles has left an indelible mark in the political landscape of our twin island Republic as the First Chief Secretary in his capacity as the political leader of the Tobago National Alliance for Reconstruction.

He made a significant contribution to national politics as a Government Senator and Parliamentary Secretary under the National Alliance for Reconstruction between 1988 and 1991.

Mr. Charles was instrumental in the formation of the Tobago House of Assembly and the THA Act and has been an ardent champion of the cause for Tobago’s autonomy.

 The political paths of Mr. Panday and Mr. Charles crossed through the establishment of the Tobago House of Assembly Act 40 of 1996 and the founding of the Dispute Resolution Commission (DRC).

It is indeed fortuitous that both political heavyweights, one from Trinidad and the other from Tobago, departed this world together. They would both be remembered for their relentless advocacy and phenomenal contribution to the politics of Trinidad and Tobago.

May their spirits and enduring legacies continue to shape the thoughts, ideas and policies of our region’s academics, intellectuals, practitioners, politicians, managers and policy-makers. 

Dr. Indira Rampersad

Head, Department of Political Science

The University of the West Indies.

St. Augustine.

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