Former MP and Minister Fazal Karim has passed away.

This was confirmed today by members of the UNC as they extended condolences to his family and loved ones.

Mr Karim served as Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education in the Peoples Partnership government.

He also previously served as MP for Chaguanas East.

In her tribute, Opposition and UNC Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar remembered Mr Karim “for the great strides he made in several critical spheres of national development particularly tertiary education.”

Mr Karim’s dedication to education was also remembered by Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal.

Meanwhile, Mayaro MP Rushton Paray hailed Mr Karim as a true scholar who devoted himself to expanding both academic and skills training, leaving an indelible mark on the educational landscape.

According to the Parliament website, Mr Karim served as Business Development Manager at the University of the West Indies St. Augustine Campus and as CEO at the National Training Agency where he was responsible for the coordinating, monitoring and evaluating of Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in T&T.

It says he was also the former CEO of YTEPP, and Senior Coordinator and Deputy Director of the UWI School of Continuing Studies.