Bernard Dulal-Whiteway Remembering a patriot

Dulal-Whiteway, 63, died at his Fairways, Maraval home last Saturday after a battle with cancer.

Tributes and expressions of condolences came pouring in from all sectors as soon as the news of his death was announced.

In a release sent by the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) Dulal-Whiteway, was remembered as a chartered accountant who received the Chaconia Medal (Gold) the nation’s second highest honour, at the 2008 Independence Day awards for “long and meritorious service to TT” in business.

He took control of the reins at Neal and Massy on October 1, 2000. His knowledge of Corporate Governance made him a prime candidate for chairing the Vision 2020 sub-committee on industry and entrepreneurship. He also served as the chairman of Yara Trinidad and on the boards of Republic Bank, Trintoc, Ispat, Tidco, United Way and TSTT. His experience and expertise were highly sought and he left an indelible mark on many.

The TTMA described him as a man of vision who set the standard for excellence and hard work by his meticulous nature.

“TTMA sits reflective with 2009 closing and the heralding of 2010. We hope that all stakeholders will sit and reflect on the role that they will play in supporting our economy in 2010. Let the passing of Bernard Dulal- Whiteway not be forgotten but rather act as a spur to us all—to challenge the boundaries and question what are our needs and the requisite function of each one of us as business owners, as consumers, as government and as a society,” it said.

It continued: “TTMA calls for all to be more proactive in our efforts to ensure sustained development of our economy and the development of our society.”

In a release from the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA), it said the business community, the country and the region have lost an important business leader.

“We mourn his loss and we hope that his life will serve as an inspiration to other business people as an example of the success that is possible when one combines integrity, humanity and business acumen,” the release said.

Chairman of Neal and Massy Holdings, Arthur Lok Jack described Dulal-Whiteway, former chief executive officer of the group, as an inspirational leader who touched many hearts.

In a statement, Lok Jack said the loss was saddening but Dulal-Whiteway left behind a legacy of “caring for people, bottom-line performance and growth”. Trade and Industry Minister Mariano Browne expressed his sadness on the passing of Dulal-Whiteway. Minister Browne described him as a “good man to work with” as he was very much on target. “He kept his word which is an important thing in business, he was industrious and he understood what it was to work hard and to enjoy yourself,” Browne said.

Dulal-Whiteway was one of the key private sector personalities who was intimately involved in working out the mechanics of Government’s Vision 2020 National Plan.

He was also actively involved on private sector committees that were undertaking some of the groundwork for the business fora which preceded the Fifth Summit of the Americas and the Commonwealth Heads of Government which took place in Port-of-Spain in April and November this year respectively.

Government officials said Prime Minister Patrick Manning, who is currently attending the United Nations Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen, was informed of Dulal-Whiteway’s passing.

“Also paying tribute was Gervais Warner who was appointed acting CEO during Dulal-Whiteway’s illness. Warner said he was a special person with the “ability to touch the hearts of anyone he worked with.”

“It was a privilege to have the opportunity to work with him, he was a sacred gift and I will miss him a whole lot,” he said.

Dulal-Whiteway’s funeral took place on Wednesday at the Church of the Assumption in Maraval.