Sabga a true pioneer

Sabga, Chairman Emeritus of the country’s largest most influential conglomerate, died today. He was 94.

The TTMA says Sabga was an “entrepreneur in the truest sense of the word”, paving the way for one of the largest conglomerates when he ventured out of the family business to begin his legacy with Standard Distributors.

Sabga is also praised as a pioneer in local manufacturing with ANSA Industries, which made refrigerators, cookers and other electrical appliances.

“The TTMA mourns the loss of this great individual and is proud of his immense contribution to the local manufacturing sector of Trinidad and Tobago. Not only was he a great leader, but an icon in the eyes of many. He will be truly missed. Gone but never forgotten.”

Sabga was awarded the nation’s highest honour, the Order of Trinidad and Tobago and holds the Honorary Doctorate of Law by the University of the West Indies.

Sabga arrived in this country a young boy from Syria in 1930 with his mother and siblings. His father had emigrated before and started a small shop on Queen Street, Port-of-Spain.

Sabga spread his enterprise acquiring other companies, among them the well-established Mc Enearney Alstons, which grew into the Ansa McAL Group.

A strong family man, he and his wife Minerva, have three sons and three daughters.

In a statement, his son, A Norman Sabga, Group Chairman and Chief Executive of ANSA McAL says his father was always also concerned about the welfare of the ANSA family. His father will be remembered as a “straightforward, a sincere and passionate leader, devoted friend and mentor to those who needed his assistance.”

“Never having lost his humility, Dr Sabga encountered people of all backgrounds, regardless of race or gender and even at the age of 94 was still able to impart knowledge to those who were around him.”