Several prominent people in Trinidad and Tobago have expressed their admiration for “an icon” and offered condolences to the royal family and the Commonwealth on the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who died at the age of 96 on Thursday.
In a phone interview, retired diplomat and civil servant Reginald Dumas said: “I’m not a royalist. I thought she did a great job. In terms of the circumstances, just a few days ago she was sworn in as prime minister of Britain’s third female Liz Truss.
“A number of her children and grandchildren have not always behaved in the way she would have hoped…she would have navigated their behavior in a particular way. She was always well informed. When she was sworn in, she said she would do her duty to Britain. Looking at it from a physical and psychological distance, I think she did a great job,” he added.
Of King Charles III’s ascension to the throne, Dumas said: “He is not a popular character in town. The matriarch has passed and the responsibility of keeping the family together falls on Charles’ shoulders. But can he do it? We have to wait and see. I fear Charles will not be seen to measure up to the standard she has set. I’m sorry to say it, but it’s the truth.”
Offering a nugget of wisdom, Dumas said: “I wish others in the world would emulate her work ethic, even people in our own country. I hope they follow it and do their jobs properly. I’m sorry to see him go. She was an example of fulfilling one’s duties and responsibilities. She did not shirk her duties. I think it is an excellent lesson for those of us who are non-government or non-royal officials. She performed her duties well.”
Former People’s National Movement (PNM) general secretary and mayor of Arima, Ashton Ford, said: “Arima has always valued the monarchy because we became a royally chartered borough in 1888 by Queen Victoria. Therefore her reign (Queen Elizabeth II) from 1952 to date would always be known by us. The monarchy began to create municipalities. It is special to us because of the granting of royal status to Arima.
“I met him three times when I served in London as Attaché responsible for Public Affairs, Culture and Tourism between 2004 and 2010. I met him when two High Commissioners (T&T) to England, Glenda Morean-Phillip and John Jeremie, presented their credentials. I also attended a special garden evening where I met the Queen and her late husband Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace.
I will cherish those memories. In my brief meeting with the Queen, I told her in Arima, the Royal Princess Park is named after the Kings. It was a privilege to meet Her Royal Highness. I will always cherish the memory.
The world will always pay tribute to her because of her long reign. She was recognized as a decent, honest, humble and God-fearing person. Our condolences to her family and loved ones. We wish the future King Charles all the best as head of the monarchy.”
Former Foreign Minister Winston Dookeran, who had the pleasure of meeting him on official duty, said: “It was a very pleasant meeting and an event I will remember forever. We had a quiet conversation, which was important. The tete-a-tete left me excited about the future of Commonwealth nations.”
On her legacy, Dookeran added: “She has been an outstanding Commonwealth leader. She performed her duties with great dignity and sensitivity. The world will mourn a leader who can be emulated as an icon among leaders. We in Trinidad and Tobago are lucky to have him during the respective period of the country. I think her life would be a monument of stability and statesmanship ever displayed by any monarch at any time.”
Historian of the St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies Dr Jerome Teelucksingh said: “The late Queen Elizabeth II will forever be associated with the history of the Commonwealth and the former colonies of the British West Indies. Whenever countries like Trinidad and Tobago reflect on their struggles and achievements of Independence and Republicanism, the Queen’s role will be remembered.
“To many around the globe, the Queen would be considered a benevolent ruler. She had an air of charm and calm that overshadowed some of the controversies surrounding the monarchy, including the treatment of Princess Diana, Prince Harry and Meghan and the sexual abuse lawsuit facing her son, Prince Andrew.
“Some in the UK believe the monarchy is an insignificant institution, while others value it as part of the UK’s heritage.
“Queen Elizabeth’s influence and power was neither as head of state nor in government, but most importantly in representing the United Kingdom,” Teelucksingh added.
Historian and veteran calypsonian Chalkdust (Dr Hollis Liverpool) said: “I remember being a student at St Mary’s College when she came to the throne in 1952. We all said a prayer for long life. She really had a long life…prayers worked. All I can do is say a prayer for her soul. I hope its value systems will last for a long time.
“When we became independent, the late Dr Eric Williams thanked her for all the kindness and help she gave to Trinidad and Tobago. The Princess Royal came to open Parliament. It was a historic occasion,” added Liverpool.
Famous author Earl Lovelace said: “My condolences are in order. She was a good person. I remember going to Buckingham Palace and meeting him. I’m not sure if I drank tea or not. It was the result of winning the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for the novel “Salt” around 1996. It was interesting.
I admired the costumes the guards wore, but I felt the gentlemen dressed in our carnival costumes looked much better. It is an occasion to celebrate her life, as people are encouraged to express their grief. The Queen has had a certain role in the Commonwealth.”
Former planning minister Dr Bhoe Tewarie, who has visited London frequently, said: “She was a queen of great grace and class. She handled herself with dignity in all circumstances. No matter how challenging the situation was, be it her family, national politics or through the global changes that would have affected the office.
It influenced the royal family. She navigated changes in the perception and appreciation of the royal family’s value to British society. Rest in peace, lady of great grace and restraint!”
