Martin Joseph served country with distinction

He was a man of service who answered the call of duty to country by serving as Minister of National Security and Minister of Housing, among other major portfolios. Those who knew him know he served with distinction.

While I remember him in his various national roles it is the man outside those roles that I remember most. I saw him on mornings dropping his son to school and walking him into the compound with a smile.

I recall the unparalleled contribution he made to the PNM. He always recalled his first campaign management victory with Dr Ken Valley in a by-election. From 2007 onwards is where my recollection of his proficiency in campaign management begins.

Prior to 2007 and beyond I have seen this man give service to the party in the most admirable of ways. In 2010 the PNM used Conrad Enil instead of Joseph. However in the THA election the PNM witnessed Joseph’s tenacity and diverse strategies result in overwhelming victory. The Local Government Election was of similar result with Martin at the control of the campaign working tirelessly and in the most professional manner. He would let constituencies and candidates know that we were not there to be friends, but if we became friends in the process of winning, fine. His scientific approach to campaigns was always well received and when it seemed as though his drills were becoming too much he would say, “Don’t worry, after the election you don’t have to see me if you don’t want to.”

The PNM is mourning this loss from every corner of the country and I know the PNM Party School will keep his legacy alive. One of the students that he assisted recently who graduated from the MSC government programme at UWI called into a radio programme in a sad tone, but shared an encouraging account of her experience working with him.

The PNM would have already started developing its campaign machinery with Joseph’s guide. However, we anticipate that men in possession of such great knowledge and experience created channels for legacy and continuity.

In 2015 the PNM win will toast to a beloved brother and friend — Martin Joseph.

RONALD HUGGINS

St Joseph