Hector McClean is dead

HECTOR Naughton McClean, attorney, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and politician  who served under both the PNM and the UNC, died at 10.58 am yesterday in the Intensive Care Unit of St Clair Medical Centre. He was 64. McClean’s son Bernard told Newsday that his father was admitted to St Clair more than a week ago. In January, McClean was warded at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex at Mt Hope with pneumonia. A month earlier, poor health forced McClean to resign as Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry into the Health Services after serving for only five months.

While there has been some talk of an official funeral, Bernard said this was uncertain and the family was making its own arrangements. Newsday learnt that McClean’s wife, Dr Rosmarie Paul, received news of his deteriorating condition while conducting interviews at the Health Ministry for personnel to staff the National Oncology Centre. She promptly went to St Clair Medical. McClean also leaves to mourn daughter Danielle. In separate releases, Prime Minister Patrick Manning and the United National Congress extended condolences to McClean’s family.

The Office of the PM reported that a “close friendship” developed between Manning and McClean after they were both elected to Parliament in 1971. Manning said the family would be approached to determine what assistance the government could provide. The UNC said McClean served the country in various capacities with distinction. “We recall that he served as Speaker of the House during the crucial period of transition after the 1995 General Election. We believe the country has lost a dedicated and committed son of the soil.” Contacted for comment yesterday, THA Chief Secretary Orville London expressed surprise when told of McClean’s passing.

“I was not aware that he had died. Was he ill?” London asked. London then extended condolences to McClean’s relatives and friends on behalf of the THA and the people of the sister isle. “The times that I met him, he always conducted himself with dignity. He would be remembered and respected not only by his political colleagues but by his political opponents as well,” London added. an attorney-at-law, McClean began his political career under the PNM led by the late Prime Minister Dr Eric Williams in 1971. As an elected member of parliament, he served during the period 1971 to 1976 and 1976 to 1981. During the first tenure, McClean was a Minister of State in the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Minister of National Security, Minister of Labour, Social Security and Co-operatives and Minister of Public Works, Transport and Communication.

He had a major fallout with Dr Williams just prior to the 1976 elections over the opening up of the Priority Bus Route, which in those days ended at San Juan. After the 1976 elections, although winning his seat in Tunapuna, Dr Williams and McClean continued their squabble. He eventually got fed up and on April 1, 1978, resigned from the Williams Cabinet and the PNM party, becoming an Independent member of the House of Representatives.

However during his time as part of the PNM Government, McClean’s contribution was significant. He piloted the Gambling and Betting Bill, Old Age Pensions Amendment Bill and several other pieces of legislation. McClean eventually left the political scene in 1981 when he became a member and judge of the Industrial Court. He held that position until 1984. He returned to private practice as an attorney at law in 1984 until 1986. From 1987 to 1991 he was appointed Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) in London.

McClean returned to Trinidad in 1991 and until 1995, in addition to his private practice, he served as a consultant in industrial relations, parliamentary and commonwealth affairs. McClean re-appeared in the political arena in 1995. He contested the general elections in November of that year for the Tunapuna constituency on a UNC ticket. He lost to the PNM’s Eddie Hart by 244 votes. His defeat would be used to taunt the PNM, as UNC leader Basdeo Panday nominated McClean as Speaker of the House of Representatives. Although the PNM did not second the nomination and some PNM MPs refused to shake his hand, saying later they had forgotten, McClean held the post until 2000. During his tenure as Speaker, McClean proved to be unbiased and was extremely fair in his rulings, which was criticised by the UNC as they found him to be  pro-PNM.

McClean would later come full circle, as he resurfaced on a PNM platform in 2001, during the PNM’s campaign in his old stomping ground, Tunapuna. He got his early education at the Curepe EC school and the Tunapuna EC school. He also attended Tranquillity Boys’ and Fatima College. He pursued his tertiary education at the Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and at Gray’s Inn, London. McClean was also Secretary of the Shakespearean Society and founded the Eastern Chorale. He was an avid mas’ player, especially sailor mas’ and also enjoyed tennis and squash. He was the owner of the Pavilion Pub at Five Rivers Junction.

Ganace lauds McClean

FORMER President of the Senate, Ganace Ramdial, who served under the former UNC administration with McClean, has hailed his contribution to the politics of Trinidad and Tobago. Ramdial expressed his sorrow at the death of McClean. “It was shocking news. Trinidad and Tobago has lost one of its most outstanding sons. As Speaker of the House of Representatives, he distinguished himself and made a valuable contribution to Trinidad and Tobago.”

Ramdial noted that McClean had also served as a one-time minister of government in a previous administration, and had served with distinction in the Industrial Court, and as a one-time deputy secretary general of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. “He was a moving figure of parliamentary affairs in Trinidad and Tobago as Speaker. He made a great contribution to the political development of our country. “I am very, very sad to learn of his passing. I would like to extend my condolences to his wife, Rosemarie, and their children.” Current Speaker of the House of Representatives, Barry Sinanan, said he was very saddened and in a state of shock over McClean’s death. “I knew he was ill, but I didn’t know he was that ill,” he lamented.

Politicians mourn Hector McClean

By Clint Chan Tack

THE Opposition UNC, a former attorney general and past presiding officers of Parliament all expressed shock and sadness at the sudden passing of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hector McClean. Former Attorney General Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj told Newsday he was very shocked to learn of McClean’s passing. The former AG said as leader of Government Business in the Lower House, he had a good working relationship with McClean and will always remember him as a “fair-minded person.” Maharaj said as Speaker, McClean discharged his duties in keeping with the highest traditions of Parliament. 

Opposition Chief Whip Ganga Singh agreed with Maharaj that as Speaker, McClean’s experience and competence were unmatched. Singh recalled that it was McClean who coined the phrase, “the Opposition will have its say, the Government will have its way.” He said McClean always ensured that the Opposition had ample opportunity to present its case in parliamentary debates. Singh said McClean’s life was one of service, noting that he was appointed chairman of the Commission of Inquiry into the nation’s public health services before his death. McClean was recently hospitalised at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex and due to his illness, Health Minister John Rahael announced that Industrial Court vice-president Gladys Gafoor would take over as chairman of that commission. Singh said the Opposition would issue a public statement of condolence on McClean’s passing. Government and Opposition will pay tribute to McClean during today’s sitting of the House of Representatives at 1.30 pm.