It is with great sadness that I note the passing of Dr Linda Baboolal who, for many years, served this country with distinction and dignity.
Dr Baboolal was a trailblazer in many respects, not the least of which was to be the first woman to act as President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago by virtue of being the President of the Senate, and it is not to be lost that she was the first woman to hold that office.
Upon my appointment to the Office of President, I received from Dr Baboolal a warm and supportive letter of congratulations on behalf of herself and her husband, Dr Michael Baboolal.
It was testimony to her kind and magnanimous spirit. Dr Baboolal set the bar high for female leadership and was an inspiration to the many women who followed in her footsteps.
A medical doctor by profession, Linda Baboolal was renowned for her many altruistic endeavours and continued to serve the people of Trinidad and Tobago long after leaving public life.
I join with the national community in extending heartfelt condolences to Dr Michael Baboolal and the family and friends of Dr Linda Baboolal, and in celebrating her exceptional life and legacy. May she rest in peace.
PRESIDENT PAULA-MAE WEEKES