There were tears and tributes as final rites were performed today for former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday.

Religious proceedings were first performed in private at the family’s home.

Following this, Mr Panday’s casket, draped in a National Flag, was taken to SAPA by a military escort.

There, tributes were paid by relatives and colleagues, including President Christine Kangaloo, former Minister John Humphrey and Assistant CARICOM Secretary Elizabeth Solomon.

Delivering the eulogy was his daughter Mickela Panday, who described him as a man with a sense of duty who was loved by people.

Also speaking was younger brother, Subhas Panday, who recounted Mr Panday’s journey out of poverty.

He said it was this that made his brother want to help others, even down to his dying day.

Following the service, the military escort accompanying Mr Panday’s body left SAPA, bound for the Shore of Peace (Mosquito Creek), where final rites were performed.

Members of the public began gathering at the site early, to catch a final glimpse of the former Prime Minister and witness his send off.

Today’s event meanwhile saw some gain access over the low fence surrounding SAPA.

Former Senate President Timothy Hamel-Smith and former PNM Minister Karen Nunez Teshiera were seen hopping the wall.

Mrs Nunez Teshiera says she and Mr Hamel-Smith were not invited and were being ignored.

Their actions were criticized by Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Amery Browne, who told members of the media that such actions were “unbecoming” and “unfortunate”.