Barataria councillor dies

Bruno who has been described by both constituents and his colleagues as a stalwart to his party, the Peoples National Movement (PNM), served as Councillor for over four years.

Newsday spoke to Bruno’s long time friend and colleague Hafeez Ali who said he was deeply saddened by Bruno’s passing and added that Bruno would be missed for his tireless work ethic and community-based approach.

Recalling Bruno’s weekly walkabouts, Ali said his colleague maintained pride in his community up until his death.

“Ever since I knew him he would be out in the streets of Barataria every single weekend, just talking to the people and listening to their concerns. He would make sure that the drains were cleaned on time and that everything was maintained and repaired. He got a lot of love and respect from the people in his constituency.

He was helpful to everyone and he took that focus with him wherever he went.” Asked what the constituency and by extension, the nation lost with Bruno’s passing, Ali said that Bruno could have risen through the ranks of the PNM and bring about major changes within the party and the nation.

“It’s difficult to say but I really feel that Pernell could have gone on to become a great leader within the party, he was always there for the people and we would have benefitted tremendously from his support and his foresight.” In a release on Saturday, Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein said that Bruno would be remembered for his loyalty and service to the people of Barataria. “Councillor Bruno’s passing comes as a shock to the Local Government fraternity and we mourn the great loss of such a humble, philanthropic man who served his burgesses with great dedication.

The San Juan/Laven Council will uphold their duty as representatives elected by the people, to ensure that the burgesses of his district continue to receive the excellent service which Councillor Bruno practiced.” Member of Parliament for San Juan/ Barataria Dr Fuad Khan also expressed sadness.

“Although we belonged to different sides of the political divide, we both recognised that every man and woman we represent, that they came first and as such worked together in a cordial manner to see that their welfare was preserved and improved. He was a humble and respectful individual and he will be dearly missed in the community.” Bruno successfully contested the Barataria seat in the 2016 Local Government Elections which he also won in 2013.

Prior to his political career, Bruno represented T&T at the CARIFTA and CAC games in athletics and earned an athletic scholarship to attend Farleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.