Leader of the Opposition Dr Keith Rowley says more than one national tribute should be bestowed in memory of this country's first President, Sir Ellis Clarke. Sir Ellis died on December 30 after suffering a massive stroke on November 24. He will be buried following private and state funerals tomorrow. His body lay in state at the rotunda of the Red House yesterday.
Hundreds of citizens viewed Sir Ellis' closed casket and signed the condolence book. Dr Rowley said he would like to suggest that one of the tributes be in the field of learning. "The Sir Ellis Clarke Citizens' Award would be the greatest tribute we could pay to him," the People's National Movement (PNM) political leader said. "He was a model citizen," he added, Leader of Opposition Business in the Senate Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, who also spoke with reporters outside the Red House yesterday, said Sir Ellis walked with kings but also with the common man.
She said Sir Ellis fitted the description of a role model and citizen of T&T. Beckles-Robinson said Sir Ellis should be honoured with a scholarship in his name. She said the T&T Constitution, which was written by Sir Ellis, "was second to none and has withstood the scrutiny of nations all over the world. That is going to be his legacy and many people will never be able to attain such a legacy." Dana Seetahal SC said Sir Ellis had "supreme intelligence."
Former attorney general Karl Hudson-Phillips and former national security minister Overand Padmore also joined the line of mourners to pay their respects to the late Sir Ellis. Hudson-Phillips, who is a judge at the International Criminal Court, declined comment. Padmore said Sir Ellis was irreplaceable. He said Sir Ellis was "a distinguished son of the soil, whose life was one of tremendous personal achievement and service to the country." Padmore said T&T was now richer for his existence. (RL)