Masson funeral on January 15

THE funeral for former Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) chairman, Dr Norbert Masson will take place at the Church of the Assumption in Maraval on January 15 at 9.30 am. This information was provided by the EBC in a brief statement today. After the service, Masson's body will be cremated in a private ceremony at the Cremation Site in Long Circular in St James. Masson died on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Opposition Leader said Masson had a long and distinguished career in public service. Kamla Persad-Bissessar said Masson carried out his duties as EBC chairman "faithfully for almost three decades." Persad-Bissessar said, "TT has suffered a loss, and Dr Masson’s important contributions to our country should be recognized by all citizens." On Tuesday, Communications Minister Stuart Young expressed sadness about Masson’s death. “We extend sincere condolences and sympathies to his family,” Young said. He said the Government thanked Masson for his patriotism and years of dedicated public service to TT. “God bless,” Young said.

Masson retired as EBC chairman in December 2015, three months after the People’s National Movement (PNM) won that year’s general elections 23 to 18. The EBC extended the close of polls in those elections on September 7, 2015 by one hour from 6 to 7 pm in Trinidad as a result of torrential rains and flooding. The close of polls was not extended in Tobago on the same day.

The UNC subsequently filed election petitions to challenge the results in five constituencies in Trinidad. The petitions were subsequently dismissed in the Port of Spain High Court in August 2016.