OBIT: John D dies at 71; PNM mourning loss of "great Trinbagonian"

Former senior cabinet minister John Donaldson died Tuesday morning at the St. Clair Medical facility. He was 71 and had been ill for a while.

Both John D, as he was affectionately known, and his father, John Donaldson (Snr) served at the cabinet level in the People's National Movement (PNM). The elder Donaldson served in the Williams administration until his death in a traffic accident in Mc Bean, Couva.

John D has held the posts of Vice Chairman of the PNM, Ambassador Extraordinaire, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of National Security.

The PNM has extended condolences to the family and the people of Trinidad and Tobago, describing John D as a "great Trinbagonian". The PNM has been plunged into mourning.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has also extended condolences on the passing of Donaldson.