Former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday has passed away at the age of 90.

News of his death came today via a statement posted online by his daughter Mickela Panday.

The statement reads, “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. 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.”

In addition to being a politician, Mr Panday was also a lawyer, trade unionist, economist, actor, and civil servant.

He was first elected to Parliament in 1976 as the MP for Couva North.

He later served as Prime Minister from November 1995 to December 2001.

Condolences have since begun to pour in following Mr Panday’s passing.

Among them are statements from Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley who says, “This is a man, a citizen, whose impact was felt at every step of the way as he made his mark so indelibly on the people of our nation. Having served the nation for so long and in so many different ways, with such resolve and panache, he can only be recognized as a true believer in this nation and its potential.”

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar reflected on Mr Panday’s role in her own political career saying, “I will always love him and be grateful that he was a significant influence in my life. 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.”