Tributes were paid to the late Sir Ellis Clarke, former president of T&T in Parliament yesterday.Sir Ellis died on December 30 and was buried last Friday after a state funeral. He was 93.During the first sitting of the House of Representatives for the year yesterday, one minute's silence was observed as a mark of respect for Sir Ellis.Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar described Sir Ellis and an "unequalled statesman."
Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley in his tribute said that Sir Ellis from this small country was called to assist a continent in constitutional matters. He was referring to the advice given by Sir Ellis to the Government of Australia on constitutional matters several years ago.Former prime minister Patrick Manning thanked Sir Ellis for his outstanding contribution to the development of T&T.
Manning said he remembered the role played by Sir Ellis as President in 1980 when the country's first Prime Minister Dr Eric Williams died.Manning said he also remembered the critical role Sir Ellis played in a People's National Movement (PNM) in 1987 when the party went into Opposition for the first time since it was established in the 1956."He dedicated his life to the service of country," Manning said."I have no doubt that today he (Sir Ellis) is safe and secure in the arms of Almighty God." (RL)