Rondon mourns sister

Toco Sangre Grande Regional Corporation chairman Terry Rondon yesterday paid glowing tribute to his sister Margaret Bethelmy. Rondon told Newsday he was playing Santa Claus at a Christmas function in Matelot when he learnt she was unwell.

A release he issued said she passed away on Sunday in the presence of family members. Rondon said Bethelmy, 80, “made me the man I am today.”

While they were both from Matelot, Rondon said Bethelmy moved to East Port of Spain, where she lived for many years. Rondon said he was 19 when he left Matelot and moved to Port of Spain, where he lived in Bethelmy’s house in East Dry River.

Rondon recalled there was “no letting up” with Bethelmy and he learnt many things from her which serve him well to this day. He also said that as he established a career in public life, she was instrumental in helping to care for his two children.

Rondon said People’s National Movement (PNM) deputy political leader Rohan Sinanan and other PNM members have contacted him to extend their condolences and offer their support.

Funeral arrangements for Bethelmy will be announced soon.