On behalf of the Dr Eric Williams Memorial Committee and on my own behalf, I wish to extend my deep and profound sympathy on the passing of a great, humble, honourable and distinguished lady Dr Linda Baboolal who passed recently. Dr Baboolal epitomised professionalism, integrity, honesty and all the virtues associated with being an outstanding woman in her several spheres of endeavour.
As chairman of her beloved party she served with distinction, as President of the Senate she served with greater distinction and as acting President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, she served with even greater distinction and what remarkable service she gave.
As chairman of the distinguished party that was founded by the late great Dr Eric Eustace Williams, I found in Dr Baboolal all the qualities that would have allowed for her to be selected as President of Trinidad and Tobago when the position became due having served as Acting President on several occasions and not to forget her unstinting loyalty to her party.
I am sad because I am one of those like many who can join with my dear sister Dr Baboolal and how she has been treated by her party. It is a shame that you give so much and get so little from a party which prides itself as being great. I am saying that until the party she loved begins to respect those who have served, then its greatness has been lost.
I would like to be given the opportunity by her family to honour her with the Father of the Nation Medal of Honour Gold for her outstanding contribution in the sphere of medicine, politics and public service. To the family, I say take courage in the fact that your wife, mother, grandmother, is leaving a great legacy of greatness and I ask the Government to provide an official funeral and not only to assist with funeral arrangements.
I say great was Dr Linda Baboolal, great was Dr Linda Baboolal and her name and legacy shall prevail. Go with God my dear loyal and trusted sister, may you rest in peace and rise in glory.
REGINALD VIDALE