Carlos Sabga dies

THE DEATH of prominent businessman and champion powerboat racer, Carlos Sabga, marked the end of an era in Trinidad and Tobago’s sporting history and yesterday, persons from several prominent circles in the society were left shocked and saddened at the news of his sudden passing. Sabga, 61, died at the Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami Wednesday night where he was undergoing treatment for lung cancer. Carlos and the Crooks brothers, Brian and Derek, were members of the trio which steered the 38-foot Bowen Marine vessel Checkmate to victory seven times (1976, 1980, 1987, 1988, 1994, 1995 and 1997) in the annual Great Race from Bayshore Martin to Store Bay, Tobago. Brian and five other persons died in a plane crash off the coast of St Vincent, after a one-day international match between the West Indies and India in May 1997. Derek died of cancer in 2002. 

Carlos made his final Great Race appearance in 1999 and then turned his attention to the business aspect of the sport, joining with businessman Joe Pires to take ownership of the Bowen Marine powerboat company from former Miss Universe Janelle “Penny” Commissiong Chow. Sabga’s sister Janet, who was at his deathbed, said Carlos was diagnosed with lung cancer one month ago, but he never let his illness dim his spirits or dampen his love of life. “During his illness he kept saying how grateful he was to God for his family and how he was so lucky to have the love of his family and friends. Carlos lived for his family. That’s the kind of person he was.

“I am honoured to have been his sister. Carlos Sabga was one of the greatest human beings I have ever known. He walked tall with the common man and was not too big for anyone. He was so very down to earth, so very caring and loving,” she said. Health Minister John Rahael said Sabga’s passing was “very unexpected” and he was deeply saddened when he heard the news. Rahael described him as a shrewd businessman, an avid sportsman, a devoted family man and someone “who lived life to the fullest.” TT Chamber of Commerce president Christian Mouttet  remembered Sabga as a successful businessman-both within the Sabga family business and on his own in the field of real estate. Mouttet said it was sad when someone like Carlos passes on in the prime of his life. He made several worthy contributions to the wider community of TT and he would be missed by all. 

TT Manufacturers Association president Anthony Aboud said Carlos was “a fine gentleman” in all spheres of his life while San Juan Business Association president Gail Merhair said she was certain that his legacy would endure. Carlos’ most ardent rival and close friend, Ken Charles, said he was very shocked when he learnt of his passing on Wednesday night. Charles said he had introduced Carlos to the sport and the entire powerboat fraternity has been plunged into deep mourning at the news of his death. “He was my dear friend,” he said. As the owner of Mr Solo Too, Charles won 11 Great Race titles and the rivalry between Mr Solo and Checkmate was the highlight of the Great Race.

Carlos and his brothers managed the fabric store Naim Sabga Ltd on Queen Street and the business was closed yesterday as a mark of respect for his passing. Several merchants of the neighbouring stores expressed sadness at his passing while curious shoppers enquired about the circumstances of his death when they saw the business was closed. Carlos was also managing-director of Town Centre Mall on Frederick Street. Carlos is survived by his wife Roberta and their three daughters. He was the brother of Ramon, Richard, Janet and Juliet. Relatives said Carlos’ family is in Miami to bring his body back to Trinidad. Funeral arrangements will be announced soon.