CONDOLENCES FROM NEW YORK The Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in New York joins the nation in mourning the loss of one of Trinidad and Tobago’s finest minds and patriotic statesman, His Excellency Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson, SC, OCC,TC. He was known by all those who came into contact with him as a scholar, a gentleman and a born diplomat. It was the great Martin Luther King Jr. who espoused that “the measure of a man, is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and adversity”. His Excellency’s defining moment came in the coup détat of 1990 where, at gunpoint and threatened with his life, he stood tall and declared “Attack with Full Force!” to the army. It was a testimony of what he believed in and how he lived his life. His life was one of distinction. Among his achievements were being the first Bowles scholar from Bishops High School in 1939, Trinidad and Tobago’s first Minister of Finance post Independence, instrumental in reviving the Tobago House of Assembly and being its first Chairman under its restored status. He is the only citizen that has served in the three highest government offices in Trinidad and Tobago, namely as Chairman of the Tobago House of Assembly, Prime Minister and President. He is internationally reognised for his work whilst a consultant to the United Nations Secretary General and is credited for pioneering the establishment of the International Criminal Court. Consul General Ramgoolam, commenting on his passing, had this to say, “it would be remise of me not to mention that His Excellency was appointed Minister of External Affairs (now Foreign Affairs) in 1967 and would no doubt have been instrumental in the development of Trinidad and Tobago’s foreign policy. His work would have contributed in laying the foundation for the establishment of the Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in New York in 1972 and indeed other foreign Missions in post Independence Trinidad and Tobago”. “To those he has left behind to mourn, may God give you courage to face the difficult times. Take comfort in knowing that he lived a full and rewarding life and will be remembered as one of Trinidad and Tobago’s Icons and an integral part of the political landscape of Trinidad and Tobago. I believe in recognizing the positive impact that all our leaders have made on our democratization process and his contribution to Trinidad and Tobago’s development, as Chairman of the Tobago House of Assembly, Prime Minister and President, will live on as part of his legacy”. The Consulate General wishes to let the family of the late ANR Robinson know that they are in our prayers and thoughts in their time of grief. We pray that his family finds the strength and courage to face the difficult days that lie ahead and that God surrounds the Robinson family with His love and peace. Nationals are advised that from Monday 14th April, 2014, the condolence book will be available at the Consulate General, 125 Maiden Lane, New York, NY to anyone that wishes to sign and offer their sympathies. The Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in New York exercises consular jurisdiction in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont, and is focused on promoting Trinidad and Tobago and providing services for its Diaspora.
Posted on: Sat, 12 Apr 2014 23:20:50 +0000
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