Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh hailed the late Prof Norris Melville as a "true patriot" who wanted to give T&T an educational facility-the Mt Hope Medical Facility.He was speaking at the farewell at UWI Spec, St Augustine Campus, yesterday. Among those present were scores of academics and illustrious citizens.Gopeesingh said: "Norris wanted to give T&T one of the best gifts anyone can give...an educational facility to ensure students had access to high quality medical education, social mobility and national development."He said Melville's financial acumen placed the facility "$35 million in the black."
Gopeesingh noted another milestone was his selection as Chair in the Health Sector under the former Patrick Manning administration for Vision 2020.He said: "It is testament to his great mind and contribution to T&T's medical and academic spheres. His remarkable contribution must never be forgotten but honoured."Tributes prepared by Mervyn Campbell were read by Emile Charles. He remembered their boyhood days as students of Bishop's High School, Tobago. In response to his question on what was the capital of Norway, Melville stammered Oslo.His nephew Dr Curtis Sealy said he encouraged him to pursue dentistry, saying "as a physicist he would starve." Sealy read a tribute from the Medical Association of T&T students.
Sporting a fashionable hat, his companion Monica Davis brought comforting words. She was joined by his children Kristen, Stefan and Sirron Melville.Monsignor Esau Joseph brought the Gospel from Matthew chapter 8. Canon Steve West delivered the homily and Prayers of the Faithful were delivered by Rev Irvin Smith.Peter Permell, chairman of the Clico Policyholders Group, delivered the Ave Maria and Frank Sinatra's I Did It My Way.