Parliament pays tribute to former MP Ramnath

Legislators observed a minute silence Friday to pay tribute Friday to Kelvin Ramnath who served as a member of the House of Representatives for several terms, starting in 1976 when he was first elected as the MP for Couva South. Ramnath died recently.

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan Government House leader Roodal Moonilal talked about Ramnath’s political history since 1976 and his brief time in the NAR cabinet serving as Energy Minister and Public Utilities Minister. He later left the government as became a founding member of of the United National Congress (UNC).

Moonilal said Ramnath was Opposition chief whip in 1991 and was also a temporary senator before returning as Couva South MP in 2002 and 2007.

He said Ramnath will be remembered as "a frontline debater" and a "bright light in the Parliament", who was proficient in energy and environmental matters. He was also known for his wit, his humour and tenacity in defending the underdog and victims of oppression and injustice.

Moonilal also spoke about Ramnath's professional career as an employee of former Trintoc and Petrotrin before his appointment as chairman of the Environmental Management Agency (EMA). “He was a great friend and colleague and we’ll truly miss him,” Moonilal added. 

House Speaker Wade Mark remarked that Ramnath was committed to his politics and was a resilient person. “He endured and never surrendered, he served T&T well and stood up to be counted,” Mark said.

PNM Chief Whip Marlene McDonald said she had not known Ramnath very well, but in the House she knew him to be an articulate debater and a witty person. She said she "treasured" the moments she spent with Ramnath in the Parliament.

McDonald took the opportunity to urge her colleagues to pay more careful attention to their health and make sure they devote time to family.