The life Reverend Cyril Paul lived was recounted at his funeral service in San Fernando yesterday. People from all walks of life, every religion, race, colour, gender and creed, filled every available space of the Susamachar Presbyterian Church. Among them were childhood friend, acting Prime Minister Winston Dookeran, former St Augustine Girls' principal Anna Mahase, former Anglican Bishop Clive Abdulah, Ravi Ji, and Cabinet ministers Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan, Prakash Ramadhar, Devant Maharaj and Dr Bhoe Tewarie.
Dookeran said Rev Paul's words "at all times provoked our leaders, especially our politicians to anchor the practice of politics on a solid moral foundation."
He said Paul was a fearless leader who spoke according to his conscience, even when it was not politically correct. He recalled the opening of Parliament on September 29, 2003, when Rev Paul was invited to deliver the opening prayer and seized the opportunity to call on the Merciful Father to forgive those who bring dishonour and disrepute to the good name of Parliament. "There, he provoked the anger of some of our politicians who described his prayer as inappropriate and publicly decried it. "He called (on) them for a different behaviour in politics," Dookeran said, adding, that events since then in the politics of the country "have shown that his foresight was indeed appropriate."
Dookeran also remembered Paul "as a good Presbyterian who was welcomed and embraced by Hindus, Muslims and all Christians, as he represented the oneness of our people, a rare gift in a world full of tribal tensions, religious fervour and ethnic rivalries." Another longstanding friend and colleague, Reverend Winston Gopaul, said Paul was among the leaders who emerged at a critical point in the history of the Presbyterian Church in Trinidad and Tobago to move it from foreign leadership to indigenous leadership. "It was a period of transition - from the era of the foreign missionary to the era of indigenous leadership - from the era of colonialism and dependence to the era of selfhood and independence.
"So it was, that a team of relatively young and inexperienced ministers, few in number, had to step up to the challenge of providing leadership in this period of transition and consolidation. "Rev Cyril Paul was a valued member of that team whose goal was to ensure that this rich heritage that was bequeathed to us was not frittered away by indolence, inaction or irresponsibility. "He played his part well, giving his best and his all in the service of the Church." Noting that preparation and organisation were among Rev Paul's hallmarks, Rev Gopaul told the congregation he planned his own funeral.
"All of us leading in this service today, are honouring the requests of our departed friend and brother." He said Paul knew the time of his departure was imminent and was prepared to answer God's call "to a weary and battered servant to come home and find rest and peace."