Senators paid tribute yesterday to former Senate vice president Rawle “Axeback” Titus who died January 2. They also observed a minute’s silence in his memory.
Government Senator Lawrence Hislop listed the many accolades of the cultural icon, including reaching the National Calypso Monarch semi finals 19 times.
“A strong advocate for preservation of Tobago culture and heritage, he worked tirelessly to raise awareness and his works had a lasting impact on a generation. He’ll be remembered as a true legend, great role model to youths, man of integrity and a credit to the Senate,” Hislop said.
Opposition Senator Wade Mark said: “A cultural guru has fallen and now belongs to the ages. He was a decent, dignified and civilised person....with a fierce sense of independence on whatever he embarked upon. He played his role and contributed enormously to our country.
“He was literally the repository of rich cultural knowledge and experience. I hope the people of Tobago gather his writings on many aspects of Tobago’s culture for youths to learn from.”
Independent Senator Maria Dillon-Remy said Titus, who loved the island of his birth, did so much and served in so many spheres. She detailed his background, including major and minor degrees in anthropology and sociology and as an author.
She said Titus got his nickname when he was a teenager and had refused to participate in a certain activity. He told by some that he was as “dull as an axeback.”
Saying T&T had lost a cultural icon, she added: “Farewell, Sir Titus.”
Senate President Nigel De Freitas said a life like that lived by Titus wasn’t easy to capture in a few words
“He served T&T for his entire life with love, this great son of the soil.”