Masson funeral tomorrow

THE funeral of former Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) chairman Dr Norbert Masson will take place tomorrow at the Church of the Assumption in Maraval at 9.30 am. This information was provided by the EBC in a brief statement last week.

After the service, Masson's body will be cremated in a private ceremony at the crematorium on Long Circular Road, 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." She added, "TT has suffered a loss and Dr Masson’s important contributions to the our country should be recognised by all citizens."

On Tuesday last, 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.

Masson retired as EBC chairman in December 2015, three months after the People’s National Movement (PNM) won that year’s general election 23 to 18.

The EBC extended the close of polls in those elections on September 7, 2015 by an hour from 6 to 7 pm in Trinidad owing to 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 dismissed in the Port of Spain High Court in August 2016.