The United National Congress’ (UNC) family is deeply saddened and has been plunged into mourning by the passing of Dr Rupert Griffith, a man it described “an accomplished professional, devoted public officer and party stalwart.”
Griffith passed away at the age of 72 on Wednesday at about 6 pm after ailing for some time.
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, in extending condolences to the bereaved family, described Griffith’s death as “distressing news to the UNC.” She said the UNC has always held him in high regard, adding he was deeply committed and served the country with great distinction.
“With his academic achievements, even temperament, outstanding work ethic and humble personality, Dr Griffith served the nation in several capacities over a 25-year period. He distinguished himself in each of his postings,” Persad-Bissessar said.
“He will be remembered as a hard worker and servant of the people, a positive role model, a party loyalist, an endearing colleague and friend. Our political landscape and the country are poorer with his loss.”
She extended condolences to his widow Sandra Ray Griffith, his three children and other members of his grieving family on behalf of the UNC. She added, however, that the party is consoled by the fact that Griffith served his beloved T&T with honour and faithfulness and “that his life’s work will long be acknowledged and appreciated. He will be remembered as a patriot of Trinidad and Tobago. May he rest in peace.”
More tribute from the UNC family poured in from members who took to social media. Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation councillor Jlynn Jenna Roopnarine remembered Griffith as a legend and someone who has motivated her.
“This man played a very active role in my life by encouraging to become the successful woman I am today in politics. He has pushed and always motivated me. His words to me were, you will reach far in life J cause you have the adrenaline, potential and ability in you to achieve your goals. You were a legend and I will never forget you.”
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Dr Rupert Griffith’s political career lasted almost two decades and in that time he took on various portfolios. However, he is best remembered for is his decision, along with fellow MP Vincent Lasse, to cross the floor from the People’s National Movement to the UNC in 1997.
It was a decision that helped the prime minister Basdeo Panday’s administration to slightly increase the slender majority it held in the House of Representatives at that time.
In a real sense, it stabilised a very tenuous hold on power by the Panday-led UNC/NAR coalition, formed in the aftermath of a 17-17-2 electoral deadlock.
Griffith explained then that he had defected from the PNM benches because of problems with the leadership of that party, then headed by Patrick Manning.
“The PNM is now drifting rudderless because of a lack of leadership,” he said.
Ironically, it was Manning who gave Griffith his start in politics when he successfully contested the polls and became the MP for Arima.
In the 1991 to 1995 Parliament, Griffith served as Deputy Speaker, then acted as Speaker between August and December 1995. He was re-elected under a PNM ticket in 1995 and served as an Opposition MP until 1997 when he crossed the floor.
As a member of Panday’s Cabinet from 1997 to 2000, he served as Minister of Information, Communication, Training and Distance Learning. After losing the Arima seat in 2000, Griffith was elected Speaker of the House on January 12, 2001, and served in that capacity until April 2002. His last stint as an MP—this time representing Toco/Sangre Grande was in the 2010-2015 People’s Partnership administration of Kamla Persad-Bissessar.