Dr Eric Williams’ legacy lives on

THE EDITOR: Twenty three years ago, March 29, 1981, the man described as the “Father of the Nation” in the person of Dr Eric Williams died, and the nation went into mourning. He died in very strange circumstances, up to his day no one really knows how he died. In his twenty five years at the helm of the nation’s politics, and at the helm of the People’s National Movement (PNM) he brought the nation from a colonial status, to an independent nation, and then finally Republican status, with a President as head of state.

Dr Williams will always be remembered for his charismatic style of leadership. To quote from Dr Williams, “Your future lies in your school bags,” a quote which he made while addressing school children at an independence rally at the Queen’s Park Oval on the eve of the nationhood of Trinidad and Tobago, August 30 1962. Yet another quote the famous, “Ten from one leaves zero” when Jamaica pulled out from the West Indies Federation. During his tenure as Prime Minister, several world leaders visited Trinidad and Tobago. In the 1960’s Mrs Indira Gandhi the then Prime Minister of India, paid a courtesy call (also deceased).

Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia also paid a visit (also deceased). Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II paid a courtesy call as head of state. Dr Eric Williams was succeeded by Mr George Chambers (also deceased). At the time of his death the then President Ellis Clarke appointed Mr Chambers as the nation’s second Prime Minister. He left a legacy that will always follow in his footsteps. The People’s National Movement (PNM) of whom he was the founder, still continues to honour him, and at times makes reference to his leadership style. What can the present generation learn from the man who brought Trinidad and Tobago to become a model nation? Well probably just his example. May his legacy always live on in the hearts of our citizens.

KEN SMITH
Woodbrook