Rev Cyril Paul dies at age 71

A former head of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) and Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, Rev Cyril Paul, died Sunday. He was 71.

Paul passed away a hospice in St James after losing a battle with prostate cancer.

Acting Prime Minister Winston Dookeran issued an official statement in which he described Paul as "one of the architects of the modern Presbyterian Church in Trinidad and Tobago and the West Indies".

Dookeran conveyed his condolences on behalf of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago.

"I send my deepest condolences on the passing of Rev Cyril Paul...He was one of our country's builders who left no stone unturned in playing his role to fashion a new society, of which all of us were partners.

"He gave selflessly to the cause of youth empowerment, and played a significant part in the development of a society where equality, social justice, peace and truth were the hallmarks of his contribution," Dookeran said.

He added that Paul was a deep thinker, a remarkable orator and an attentive listener who had a distinct passion to uplift the human condition for all his congregation. "His passing is a great loss, not only to the Church but to the entire nation," Dookeran said.

"He gave new credentials to service which must always be conducted within the bounds of moral and ethical values. He was committed to truthful service, which at times did not receive the fullest approval of all. This great soul, a true patriot and one who always practised national unity will be sadly missed by all," he added.

Media and cultural icon Hans Hanoomansingh remembered Paul as someone who was always willing to give counsel both as a spiritual leader and a friend.

He said Reverend Paul will be dearly missed and will be remembered for his efforts to develop the IRO.

"He saw the IRO as an extremely important organisation for the unity of Trindiad and Tobago and for the better appreciation of our diversity," Hanoomansingh said.

"He was very aware of national issues. So for example, every sermon he preached was a new sermon and it was based on the challenges of the society and the scriptural injunctions of how to deal with the issues facing the society."