Rowley hails commitment to TT

A funeral service is to be held for Daaga on Saturday at 9am at the Queen’s Park Savannah followed by burial at the Lapeyrouse Cemetery.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Rowley said, “Mr Daaga made his mark as a political activist in the 1970s as leader of the Black Power Movement. He was not afraid to challenge the status quo, speak up against injustice and advocate for equality.” Rowley said, “Even in the latter years of his life, he continued to be a presence on the political landscape of TT, which undoubtedly attested to the fact that his interest in the development of our twin-island State, never waned.” He concluded, “I join the rest of the national community in mourning the loss of Mr Daaga and hold up his loved ones in prayer. May he rest in peace.” The Prime Minister, is in California on vacation and is undergoing some medical examinations at a clinic there. Government officials yesterday said they have received no updates regarding those examinations.

In a separate statement, Finance Minister Colm Imbert, who is acting Prime Minister, said, Daaga “brought about far-reaching changes which have helped to shape the social and political reality of T&T.” Imbert said, “Whether adopting the role of revolutionary, rebel leader, visionary or Chief Servant, Makandal Daaga always had at the heart of his beliefs, the empowerment of the people of TT, particularly those he felt to be unjustly denied avenues to prosperity and opportunity.” Acting PNM public relations officer Stuart Young extended the party’s condolences to Daaga’s family. Young, who is also Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs, said, “Mr. Daaga’s contribution to the political landscape of TT and offers its prayers at this time of grief to his family, friends and associates.” San Fernando Mayor Kazim Hosein said, “He was an astute, principled and patriotic Trinidadian, and we as a nation should recognise his efficacy as an activist and a political figure.” Congress of the People (COP) political leader Dr Anirudh Mahabir said, “The COP has lost a good friend. Our nation has lost a great leader and builder.