PNM founding member Gerard Montano is dead

He was the father of Labour Minister Danny Montano and Opposition Senator Robin Montano. Montano, 87, died in his sleep at his Maraval home on Sunday morning. He was suffering from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Montano also had two other children — twins Candy and Andy. The latter, who resides in Canada, flew into Trinidad last night.

Robin told Newsday that his father died a peaceful death. He said although the family knew of his father’s ailments, his death was nevertheless a shock. He said the family was hurting.

"We loved our father greatly. He was the greatest man in the world," said Robin.

The elder Montano, who grew up in San Fernando, was educated at Naparima College and St Benedict’s College in San Fernando. He was chairman and director of a family business, Imperial Stores Ltd, from 1945 to 1956, before embarking on a political career.

In 1949, Montano became a member of the San Fernando Borough Council, and later become mayor of the city, a position which he held from 1954 to 1956. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1956 after winning the San Fernando East seat, which is currently held by Prime Minister Patrick Manning.

He first served as Minister of Housing and Local Government. He was re-elected in 1961 and made Minister of Works. In 1964, he was shifted to the portfolio of Minister of Home Affairs. He retained his seat during the 1966 elections and was named Minister of Home Affairs and Local Government in the PNM government.

Two years later in 1968, Montano’s ministerial responsibility changed to Minister of Home Affairs and Personnel. As a minister, Montano will be remembered for his pioneering role in the construction of the Lady Young Road, Morvant, Diamond Vale and Pleasant-ville housing estates.

Before he retired from government in 1970, Montano served as Leader of the House from 1964 to 1970. He was also an active member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

Montano was also an Ambassador to Brazil in 1971 with accreditation to Chile as well. He received the Order of the Liberator Simon Bolivar by the Venezuelan government, which is that country’s highest award. Montano was the first non-Venezuelan to receive the award.

The funeral service for Montano will be held on Thursday from 10 am at All Saints Anglican Church, Marli Street, Port-of-Spain. The family has requested no flowers, but persons can contribute to the Alzheimer’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago.

Condolences to the Montano family have been extended by both the PNM and Opposition UNC.