Tributes to a business tycoon

Newsday Editor-in-Chief, Jones P. Madeira, recalled that when Sabga bought the Trinidad Guardian newspaper, he “injected a lot of capital towards its development as a major force in the industry.” Madeira said Sabga was “a giant who took the chance at expanding from print into radio and television.

This not only worked for him, more than that, it has led to the development of quite a large body of talent in both print and broadcast media.” “He was not afraid to roll his sleeves up and to assist in the development of all of his companies, including what has grown to become Guardian Media Limited.”

PAULA REMEMBERS Trade and Industry Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon, said Sabga’s life was “one of sheer determination, integrity and humility.” “He was resolute in creating and shaping his own future, and in the process, shaped the economic landscape of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. His journey from humble beginnings to head the Caribbean’s largest business conglomerate is a testament to his strength of character, his sound business acumen, his steadfastness of faith, and his willingness to share his knowledge and experiences. Dr Sabga was committed to creating goods and services of value, and he was equally devoted to improving his country and his countrymen.” Gopee-Scoon noted that in addition to receiving the first Prime Minister’s Award for Export Performance in 1968 and being inducted into the Business Hall of Fame in 2008, Sabga founded the ANSA Caribbean Awards for Excellence which recognises achievement and innovation by Caribbean nationals.

Reflecting on his many achievements and his contributions to local and regional development, Gopee-Scoon described Sabga as “an outstanding human being and will continue to be an inspiration to those in business and those seeking to make a positive change in the world we live in.” Managing Director of ANSA Merchant Bank, Gregory N. Hill, told Newsday he not only lost his chairman, with whom he “worked very closely,” he lost a mentor and friend.

“We had a very good, very close relationship over the past ten years.

He was not only my chairman, he was a personal mentor to me and I think the country and the Caribbean will truly miss him. It’s a loss to everyone but Mr Sabga left a fantastic legacy and provided a lot for a lot of people. He did a lot for the country, for the region.”

PRAISE FOR ‘UNCLE TONY’ Former Arima Mayor Ghassan Youseph, said “Uncle Tony was a gentleman to be admired and I could identify with him because he came to this country as a young boy; I came at the age of 15, and started his own business. I too ended up starting my own business.” “His greatest example as a businessman was to work hard and work with principle. One of his talents was hiring the right people because he built the business on his own at first but his greatest asset was his management team and hiring the right people. He was a visionary. Being a successful businessman takes two things - bravery and a vision, and he was a visionary when it came to business,” Youseph recalled.

The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TT Chamber) said Sabga was known for his sharp mind and business acumen, and played a pivotal role in several areas of national life.

“His entrepreneurial ventures encompassed manufacturing, retail, agro-processing and more. He founded ANSA Industries in the immediate post-Independence era, working at that time with licensing arrangements from large international corporations, to manufacture stoves, refrigerators and other electrical appliances. These were exported to other islands in the years before CARICOM was established.

He also founded Standard Distributors and Carib Brewery - household names today.”

BIG VOID LEFT The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) said the death of this “captain of industry, left a void in the business landscape of TT.

“The most innovative venture undertaken by Dr. Sabga was possibly the marriage of three of the most successful businesses in the Caribbean – ANSA, McEnearney and Co. and Alston’s Ltd., - to form ANSA McAL a regional leader in manufacturing, distribution, services, packaging, automotives, media, shipping, travel, banking, insurance, real estate and most recently, energy.” “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.” Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Kazim Hosein, said Sabga would be remembered for his “immense contributions to our country, his vision, humility and his strong spirit of volunteerism.” “We are truly grateful for his work with the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, especially during the (2017) National Clean-Up Campaign, in which his company donated glass recycling bins to each municipality.

In this time of loss, may the light of Almighty God shine down on his family and loved ones and provide them comfort. He will be sadly missed by all. May his soul be at peace.”