PM pays tribute to late PNM stalwart

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley paid glowing tribute to former diplomat and senator Winston Steve Moore at his funeral service in San Fernando, yesterday. 

Rowley was among hundreds of mourners from all walks of life, including former prime minister Patrick Manning and his wife, Hazel, who attended the ceremony held at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church. 

Rowley thanked Moore, 76, for his contribution to the PNM party and the nation, saying that he made public service his life.

Recalling a critical role Moore played in his life when the PNM lost its first general elections in 1986, Rowley said he was one of five young people appointed as opposition members. Moore was the sixth opposition member.

Rowley said while they were being advised that tremendous defeat would be the ending of the PNM party, even if they were inclined to believe that, it was Moore with his deep knowledge and abiding confidence in the organisation who gave them confidence to realise that that defeat was simply a step along the way.

“But, his position of having the tremendous belief in public service caused us not be broken by defeat,” he said, adding that he provided them with the encouragement which caused them to push forward.

“Steve Moore represented the best of citizenship of Trinidad and Tobago,” said Rowley who added that his contribution was immeasurable.

His daughter Nicole and son Gary eulogised him as a man for all seasons, who lived life to the fullest and shared an intimate relationship with his faith.

In his prayer, Monsignor Christian Pereira lamented that too many people were dying by violence.

“Too many of us give in, succumb, fall to the bullet, to the vehicular recklessness on our roads. 

Many people suffer daily a death which no one is entitled to in domestic abuse, many nations are engulfed in war, families are burdened and are fleeing as refugees.” 

Manning did not speak at the funeral, but on his Facebook page he paid tribute to Moore who served as the ambassador to Brazil under his stint.

Reflecting on Moore’s life, Manning credited Moore’s assistance in propelling the San Fernando East Constituency and eventually the PNM to national prominence once again after its crushing defeat in 1986.

Describing him as a language specialist, Manning said Moore delivered excellent speeches. 

Following the service, a private cremation was held at Guide’s Funeral Home in Coffee Street.