Raj’s last farewell

Glowing tribute was paid to Darryl Troy Rajpaul, aka Raj, Doc and Stoppy, councillor for Belmont East on the Port of Spain Corporation, during the celebration and thanksgiving service for his life at the Holy Trinity Cathedral yesterday.

In his homily, Bishop Calvin Bess summed up Rajpaul’s life, based on tributes paid to Rajpaul by deputy Port of Spain mayor Hillan Morean and his son Yevan Rajpaul, and eulogies delivered by his siblings Jenna Jobity-Felix and Roddy Jobity.

Rajpaul, 49, died last Saturday after an over-40 football match in Belmont.

Bess told a church packed with members and friends of the Rajpaul family, all the members of the city corporation, headed by Mayor Joel Martinez, members of the protective services, pannists and students: “Darryl was genuine? In this smartman country?” The congregation roared with laughter.

On a more serious note, Bess praised Rajpaul’s genuine persona, and also described him as a mentor, passionate about service, disciplined, decent and a dedicated citizen. He said: “That is what we need more in this land of the blessed trinity.”

Bess also said Rajpaul was a vibrant councillor who knew what his responsibilities were and was very productive in carrying out his duties.

“He was a community organiser, team player and a spirited one who sought to add value to make his community better. Well done, servant, enter into the Kingdom of the Lord.”

The congregation reacted with thunderous applause.

Special pan tributes came from Martin Cain of Desperadoes Steel Orchestra and Dane Gulstan of Massy All Stars

After the funeral, Rajpaul was cremated at the crematorium in St James.

Rajpaul leaves to mourn his wife Perlin, sons Kedane, Xavier and Yevan Rajpaul, grandson Kye, parents Gloria and Eric Rajpaul, stepfather Terry Jobity, siblings Roddy and Jenna Jobity, members of the city corporation and Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, of which he was a member, among many others.