As the nation paid final respects to former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday on Tuesday, he was remembered mostly for his heart for people and the compassion he showed to others, especially the poor.

Glowing tributes to Trinidad and Tobago’s fifth Prime Minister were made by his brother, Subhas Panday, friend John Humphrey and President Christine Kangaloo.

Eulogized by his daughter, Mickela Panday, the man known to the nation as “Silver Fox” was also remembered for the integral role he played in the lives of his four daughters. 

“Our father was fearless, honest, strong-willed, disciplined, humble, kind, selfless, hardworking like no one that I have ever known or will ever know. Yes, he is our dad, but he did not belong to us alone. He loved people, and people loved him,” Mickela said, at times becoming visibly emotional.

“Exactly one month ago, when our family and loved ones travelled abroad, never in a million years did we think that our father would not be coming back home to be with us.”

“While we knew this was one of the most difficult things that we were ever going to face in our lives, we had to balance our own grief, looking after our mother (Oma) and putting country before self, as our father would do,” she added.

Following the service at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts, Mr. Panday was cremated at the Shore of Peace site in South Oropouche, where he received final Hindu rites, performed by his daughters.