Former Minister Jack Warner is calling on persons to reflect on Basdeo Panday’s vision for T&T, by bringing the country together.

In a statement expressing condolences, Mr Warner described Mr Panday as the man who breathed life into the words “where every creed and race find an equal place”.

Mr Warner said, “This man, the former president of the All Sugar Worker’s Trade Union The ASWTU, a union many young persons may not be aware even existed, rose with pomp and splendour to assume the office of PM – the first indo-Trinbagonian to hold that office. What I perhaps most admired, and moreso as people share their personal memories with Panday, is that he could be seen in photos with princes, paupers, men, women, children – the kaleidoscope that represents Trinidad and Tobago. This was Panday’s vision, this is part of his legacy.”

He also pointed to the legacy left behind saying, “While his roots were in labour and politics – he might well be considered another father of the nation.”

Mr Warner also extended a message to Mr Panday’s widow, Oma, and his daughters: “First, I thank Oma his wife and his four daughters – Niala, Mickela, Nicola, and Vastala – for sharing their husband and father with the world.  Perhaps unwillingly so, and on occasions I am sure, they regretted the very public space their father occupied.  He belonged to all of Trinidad and Tobago… Oma, you were the wind beneath his wings; may you and your daughters find solace at this time amid the mammoth loss you have suffered.”