(Trinidad Express) Time seemed to have stood still as members of the Defence Force bore the body of the late former prime minister Basdeo Panday in a coffin, draped in the national colours of red, white and black, through the streets of the capital city of Port of Spain, yesterday.
Poised, they moved like a well-oiled machine to the strains of iconic calypsonian the Mighty Sparrow’s (Slinger Francisco) “Memories”—an eternal tribute to those who have gone to God’s acre.
At 8.45 a.m., the procession began promptly outside RBC Royal Bank, Independence Square, moving north towards Independence Square and then west onto Abercromby Street, and then north to the Red House.
As the sun rose in the morning sky, curious onlookers and well-wishers, some with breakfast in hand, gathered to pay their respects to the country’s fifth prime minister who passed away on Monday at age 90.
Several people didn’t know Panday’s body was being taken to the Red House, among them Independence Square newspaper vendor Marlene Mohan, who said: “I saw the procession but I did not know it was Panday. It’s only after I realised what was going on. Panday was a good man.”
A few people complained about the inconvenience and traffic pile-up.
The procession having arrived at the Red House, Panday’s body, dressed in a dark suit, a diamond-patterned tie in the national colours and a red silk pocket square, was taken to the august Rotunda of the nation’s Parliament.
The recessional song was the late crooner Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”.
Opposite, at Woodford Square, dubbed “The University of Woodford Square” by the late first prime minister and historian Dr Eric Williams, knots of people had also gathered.
Inside the Red House, a colourful portrait of a beaming Panday found a place of honour next to the condolence book on the desk. A second condolence book was opened at the podium.
In the background, the coat of arms and two red, white and black national flags stood like sentinels. Bouquets of pure white and royal purple ginger lilies enhanced the decor. Rows of potted plants added to the natural scenery. Panday’s open casket was also cordoned by miniature green plants.
Reverently, people bowed, nodded and made their way past Panday and signed the condolence book.
Misty-eyed crowd
Resplendent in a black flowing dress, President Christine Kangaloo and her spouse, Senior Counsel Kerwyn Garcia, greeted a group of children in the Rotunda. Garcia proceeded to sign the condolence book.
On hand to greet her were Senate President Nigel De Freitas, Deputy House Speaker Esmond Forde, Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Amery Browne.
Also present were Panday’s daughter Mickela, an attorney-at-law, her sisters and former United National Congress (UNC) government minister Carlos John, who described Panday “as my mentor and inspiration”.
When the party exited, Mickela blew a kiss to her father, made her way across the corridor and gently touched his photograph as she exited the Rotunda.
Basking in golden sunshine, she and her siblings proceeded to greet hundreds of people who had gathered to pay their respects to the deceased ex-PM.
Upon seeing Mickela, people hugged, kissed and a few grew misty-eyed as they declared their love and adoration for Panday, fondly known as “Bas”. Some people shared their special memories etched in their historical archives.
Sadness tinged with celebration pervaded the atmosphere.
Meandering back to the car, Mickela, dressed in a floral blouse and dark trousers, quickly tied her bow which had become undone during the “hero’s welcome”.
Longdenville resident Shariff Thomas, 55, was the first person to sign the condolence book.
Having made the trek since 7 a.m. to the capital city, Thomas said: “Panday was the best prime minister this country ever had. He came from humble beginnings (St Julien Village) and he remembered humble folks. He cared about them.
“He cared about whether they could afford food to feed their children. He ensured their children had an equal opportunity to get an education. Although he walked with kings, he never lost the common touch.
“That is why I love him so much. Poor and oppressed people had a voice in Parliament. He listened to the cane cutters (Dora Bridgemohan) and the farmers.”
Echoing a similar sentiment was Las Lomas classical singer Manmohan Gosyne, who said: “Panday came from humble roots. He never lost sight of that. He always looked out for poor people. He never forgot country people. He was born into struggle. He liked rural people. He inspired a lot of country people to do well.”
Remembering Panday’s love for culture, including classical Indian music, he said: “Panday loved classical music. He loved the sound of the dhantal and the dholak (musical instruments). He would say, ‘This is my true love.’ He was a patron at our events.”
Gosyne also said that a concert is being planned for Monday night at the Fun Splash Water Park, Debe, where Hanuman Chalisa songs will be sung in Panday’s honour.
Even media professionals reflected upon Panday’s effusive charm. Assuming a military stance, former journalist Richard Lord remembered Panday greeting him as, “My Lord”.
