The Panday UNC government established the EWMC in 1998 and invited former U.S. Secretary of State, Colin Powell, to launch it in honour Dr Eric Williams who died in office on March 29, 1981.
The EWMC, which consists of the a research library, archives and museum, is the English-speaking Caribbean’s first effort at establishing an entity akin to a U.S. Presidential Library.
Read related story: Eric Williams Memorial Collection celebrates 100th anniversary of birth of T&T's first PM
Rowley was speaking on a private member's motion calling on the Government to observe the centenary birth of Williams and to declare 2011 Dr Williams Year. He said if Government agrees, then an "academic shrine" will be created where persons can walk into the life of Williams.
Earlier the opposition leader asked that a Joint Select Committee (JSC) comprising Government, Opposition and Independent members be appointed to hold consultations with the people, and then decide what would the most fitting tribute to demonstrate gratitude to the "outstanding son of the soil".
In a direct response to Rowley leader of Government Business Dr Roodal Moonilal asked what the PNM has done to honour its founder.
He pointed out that the Education Ministry will be embarking on a consultation on the primary school curriculum and it was their intention "that the work and the legacy of Dr Eric Williams and others should be reflected further in the primary school curriculum and the secondary school curriculum".
Moonilal disclosed that Government will recognise Williams and other national figures such as the late Noor Hassanali, who was President of Trinidad and Tobago for 10 years, and Albert Gomes, who was a member of the Legislative Council in the 1950s.
Moonilal said the People's Partnership Government proposed the establishment of a chair in Commonwealth law and parliamentary studies in honour of former president Sir Ellis Clarke “in record time.”
Moonilal said he was not questioning “the rightness” of Rowley’s call to honour Williams but wanted to understand what the party that Williams created did for him.
Williams died 25 years ago and the PNM has never did anything to honour its founder.
He said the UNC’s party headquarters is named after trade unionist Adrian Cola Rienzi and a statue of late chutney singer Sundar Popo will so Father of the Nation.
He quoted Manning who said on May 27, 1995, "Today I speak to you as the Father of the Nation".
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