A man committed to service and who lived his life as such.
That was how MPs on both Government and Opposition sides in Parliament yesterday remembered late UNC MP and one time House Speaker Dr Rupert Griffith.
Griffith died on Wednesday. He was a member of the PNM and a PNM MP from 1991 and later also a UNC MP after his famous “crossing of the floor” in 1997. He served as deputy Speaker under the PNM and House Speaker in the UNC administration. Griffith was also UNC MP for Toco and served variously as Minister of Tourism, Minister of Science and Technology and Minister of Sport under the UNC Government.
Education Minister Anthony Garcia noted Griffith had been a minister in the Prime Minister’s office as well. Garcia said Griffith’s nephew contacted him recently telling him his uncle was not doing well.
“ No matter what side he sat on, he was committed to service. Dr Griffith left a legacy of service and willingness and we offer sincerest condolences to his family,” Garcia added.
UNC MP Suruj Rambachan said Griffith devoted most of his life to public service and was motivated by this, living a life based on the values of a public servant. He added Griffith operated on “fairness and equity and remained a humble, polite person committed to harmony, problem resolution, never bearing grudges or considering anyone enemies,”
“He transcended parties, being involved in both PNM and UNC, therefore, people saw him as a principled man,” Rambachan added.
He said Griffith always tried to understand the motivation of detractors and opponents, but fought against anti-people policies and regressiveness.
“He brought creativity and innovation to his Ministry and chose to use his gift of life to serve his fellow citizens,” Rambachan added.
Deputy Speaker Esmond Forde also said Griffith sponsored many groups, sporting clubs and steelband organisations. MPs observed a minute’s silence to mark his death.