Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley was among the many world leaders yesterday paying tribute to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Queen Elizabeth II who died yesterday morning.
In an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Dr Rowley revealed the contribution Prince Philip made to environmental awareness and also said his wife, Sharon benefitted from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.
The Awards started in 1956 and recognised the self-improvement of young adults and teens in the United Kingdom, Commonwealth and other countries.
The Prime Minister and Caricom Chairman who extended condolences to the Queen and the Royal Family said Prince Philip made a lasting impact on youth.
“We remember him very fondly as the person who drove the Duke of Edinburgh Awards which helped to build character in generations of young people. That was the closest we’ve been to him and his presentation in the Commonwealth was always along the lines of youth development and the environment. So we do have that memory and do feel saddened by his loss.”
Dr Rowley, who is still in quarantine recovering from COVID-19 added that while the Prince may not have had much of a personal influence in Trinidad and Tobago, the emphasis he placed on building the next generation and its character has stayed with many including his wife, Sharon.
“Thousands of people here who are now adults in Trinidad and Tobago, who during their formative years, knew of Prince Philip and the role he was playing and many in fact got to meet him
because he did travel quite a bit around the Commonwealth advancing this programme which was so useful.
Meeting him was a memory many people world cherish including my wife who, probably didn’t meet him, but took part in the programme, and even today she talks about the days of taking part in the awards programme - Duke of Edinburgh awards,” said the Prime Minister.
Prince Philip was married to the Queen, who is the head of the Commonwealth, for 73 years. He died just two months shy of his 100th birthday.