Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said Tuesday she was saddened to learn of the passing of veteran journalist Keith Smith.
In an official media release she called Smith's passing "a tremendous loss", adding that he was a national icon.
"In the over 40 years he spent as one of this nation’s foremost writers, he stood out as an exemplar of hard work, dedication and patriotism," she said.
Persad-Bissessar stated that Smith was born and raised in Laventille and, until his passing, never left his hometown, "serving as an inspiration and true role model for the youths of the area by showing them that hard work and perseverance could produce such a powerful public figure."
She added, "He hailed from the era when our national instrument, the steel pan, was one of Laventille’s greatest offerings and throughout his life, his work would reflect the tremendous impact this cultural hub had on his thinking as he remained a consistent and longstanding advocate for local culture.
"Keith Smith started his career in journalism fresh out of school and grew into one of this country’s most impactful, relevant and influential journalists over the decades.
"As a young reporter, Keith Smith covered some of this country’s most historic events, including the Black Power revolution of 1970 and the attempted coup of 1990. He was able to bring incisive political critique to the issues of the day due to his longstanding experience and first hand coverage of these and other historic turning points in our country.
"As an editor he ensured that journalism remained free but responsible and that is a legacy which I hope will forever endure.
"But more than that, Keith Smith used his talents to promote Trinidad and Tobago’s culture as something that citizens should be proud of, and for that, our beautiful twin island Republic owes him a debt of gratitude.
"As the writer of the hugely popular “Keith Smith Column” he wrote wonderful prose and extolled the virtue and beauty of our dialect.
"He also wrote numerous pieces about the lives and work of some of this country’s greatest artistes, including calypsonians such as the late Lord Kitchener (whom he famously nicknamed the Grandmaster), the Mighty Sparrow and several pan icons, to name but a few.
"So influential was Keith Smith’s writing and analysis of these artistes’ contributions to our culture that Mr. Smith almost singlehandedly ensured through his pioneering journalism that citizens of Trinidad and Tobago learnt true appreciation for their cultural history and the artistes who created this rich, diverse history.
"Keith Smith retired from journalism in November 2010 and has today passed on after losing his battle with cancer.
"Trinidad and Tobago has lost a true son of the soil, a cultural icon, a journalistic trailblazer and an intellectual inspiration.
"On behalf of the Government, myself and my family, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Keith Smith’s family at this time and may the good Lord comfort them in this time of grief.
"May his soul rest in peace."
In an official media release she called Smith's passing "a tremendous loss", adding that he was a national icon.
"In the over 40 years he spent as one of this nation’s foremost writers, he stood out as an exemplar of hard work, dedication and patriotism," she said.
Persad-Bissessar stated that Smith was born and raised in Laventille and, until his passing, never left his hometown, "serving as an inspiration and true role model for the youths of the area by showing them that hard work and perseverance could produce such a powerful public figure."
She added, "He hailed from the era when our national instrument, the steel pan, was one of Laventille’s greatest offerings and throughout his life, his work would reflect the tremendous impact this cultural hub had on his thinking as he remained a consistent and longstanding advocate for local culture.
"Keith Smith started his career in journalism fresh out of school and grew into one of this country’s most impactful, relevant and influential journalists over the decades.
"As a young reporter, Keith Smith covered some of this country’s most historic events, including the Black Power revolution of 1970 and the attempted coup of 1990. He was able to bring incisive political critique to the issues of the day due to his longstanding experience and first hand coverage of these and other historic turning points in our country.
"As an editor he ensured that journalism remained free but responsible and that is a legacy which I hope will forever endure.
"But more than that, Keith Smith used his talents to promote Trinidad and Tobago’s culture as something that citizens should be proud of, and for that, our beautiful twin island Republic owes him a debt of gratitude.
"As the writer of the hugely popular “Keith Smith Column” he wrote wonderful prose and extolled the virtue and beauty of our dialect.
"He also wrote numerous pieces about the lives and work of some of this country’s greatest artistes, including calypsonians such as the late Lord Kitchener (whom he famously nicknamed the Grandmaster), the Mighty Sparrow and several pan icons, to name but a few.
"So influential was Keith Smith’s writing and analysis of these artistes’ contributions to our culture that Mr. Smith almost singlehandedly ensured through his pioneering journalism that citizens of Trinidad and Tobago learnt true appreciation for their cultural history and the artistes who created this rich, diverse history.
"Keith Smith retired from journalism in November 2010 and has today passed on after losing his battle with cancer.
"Trinidad and Tobago has lost a true son of the soil, a cultural icon, a journalistic trailblazer and an intellectual inspiration.
"On behalf of the Government, myself and my family, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Keith Smith’s family at this time and may the good Lord comfort them in this time of grief.
"May his soul rest in peace."
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