Librarian battled cancer before death

Achong, 72, of Regent Towers, Westmoorings was returning to Trinidad at the time of her death. She died in the airport’s bathroom. At the time her sister Myrle Romain was with her. Achong fell ill on Saturday while attending a Caridad Conference at the Crown Point Hotel. The two week conference was held for young librarians.

Achong’s nephew Nigel Edward Romain told Newsday yesterday, Achong was a cancer survivor and died of complications from chemotherapy. Achong underwent surgery for cancer two years ago. Nigel said Tobago Homicide officers were not investigating his aunt’s death. He said her body will return to Trinidad early next week. Funeral arrangements are not finalised.

Nigel said Achong had one son, Mark, and was the widow of Eugene Achong.

Achong was the head librarian at the medical library of the Port-of-Spain General Hospital for over 14 years as well as Director of Libraries for over 20 years. For her contribution to the public service she received the Public Service Medal of Merit (Silver) in 1989 from then president Arthur NR Robinson at the annual national awards ceremony at President’s House, St Ann’s.