‘Stretch’ laid to rest in Plymouth

He died on May 14 after suffering from heart-related ailments for over five months. Many paid tributes to Dumas saying he was an advocate for a better Trinidad and Tobago during his nine-year service in the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament, where he held several positions.

Dumas was remembered as the main pillar who contributed significant development to his home village of Plymouth, “Tobago as a small developing island has lost a champion who understood the institution of democracy glorified in its overwhelming responsibilities and discharge its duties as a treasure of community of activities with dash and joy which inspired all who were blessed in knowing Rennie Dumas. He was more than that, he was a man filled with joy and living he was a proud father, a scholar a councillor and he was a best friend.” He added that Dumas was certain a heart surgery performed in April would have helped his ailments, “last time I visited him, he advised me that the doctors finally got the diagnosis correct, he was confident that all he needed to do was strengthen his body and undergo a surgery and within 35 days he would be out and back on his feet.”

Minister of Public Utilities Fitgerald Hinds said although he was unable to visit Dumas at hospital, he will continue to remember his contribution in the PNM’s administration development. “He was a fellow shoulder we could count on in the PNM when the going gets tough. As committed as he was to national development, he was most passionate about matters relating to Tobago. He has left lessons and a rich legacy for us, the first is love for others.” Dumas was buried to the back of his former Plymouth residence.

The former minister,who served as Member of Parliament for Tobago East, fell ill early January and was hospitalised at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex Intensive Care Unit, Mt Hope. Prior, Dumas served in the Senate as an Opposition Senator during the 6th Parliament, and as a Government Minister during the 7th and 8th Parliaments. Dumas was elected to the House of Representatives on November 5, 2007 as the Member for Tobago East.

He was appointed Minister of Labour and Small Micro Enterprise Development in November 2007. He then served as Opposition Senator from January 12, 2001 - October 9, 2001 where he sat as the Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister from December 28, 2001 -October 9, 2002 His life in politics continued as he was then appointed Minister of Public Utilities and the Environment on October 15, 2002 - November 9, 2003. Then as Minister of Local Government November 10, 2003 - November 7, 2007 and Minister of Labour and Small Micro Enterprise Development November 8, 2007 - May 25 2010.

Dumas ran as a candidate for the internal PNM, Tobago Council, and political leader last year in June before becoming ill.