The Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (Doma) has extended its heartfelt sympathy to the late Kenneth Valley's family and friends.In a news release yesterday the association hailed the former trade and industry minister's contributions to the export sector and local manufacturers as "legendary."Valley died last Friday at his home in Glenco after a battle with colon cancer.He served as the minister of trade and industry under the People's National Movement from 2001 to 2007. Valley was 63 at the time of his death.He will be buried on Thursday at 1.30 pm at St Finbar's RC Church, Westmoorings.
The body will be cremated in a private service.Doma said Valley's stimulation of regional and foreign trade, including the opening of markets in Central America, was something all members of the business sector were grateful for.The association added: "Ken Valley was a gentleman, with the qualities of honour, loyalty and civility that this embodies."Doma said Valley was a true politician with dignity who not only served the business community but worked in the greater interest of T&T.