TTPost MD drowns at Maqueripe

RYAN HAMILTON-DAVIS AND JULIEN NEAVES

PUBLIC Utilities Minister Robert Le Hunte has described the drowning of TTPost managing director Richard Saunders as a sudden blow and a setback for the postal corporation.

Saunders, 65, drowned off the Western coast early Sunday morning. Police are still gathering information, but according to reports, Saunders, of Bayshore, was bathing in the water at Maqueripe Beach when he got into difficulty and drowned. His body was taken to the St James Infirmary where he was pronounced dead. Cpl Lawrence of the Western Division is continuing inquiries.

Le Hunte, speaking to Newsday in a telephone interview last evening, said he received the news earlier about Saunders' unfortunate death. He added that he had just come visiting his family and expressing his condolences.

"This is a great shock to the staff of TTPost. Though he just joined a year ago he already started to make an impact in its transformation."

Le Hunte said Saunders has had a long and distinguished career in both the private and public sector having worked at TSTT, Guardian group in properties and as a University of the West Indies registrar.

"He traversed the private and public sectors leaving a mark of an excellent level of service, commitment and dedication. The business community and professional community have lost a partiacrch and a hard working and committed individual."

Le Hunte expressed his condolences to Saunders' family, the TTPost staff and all the people he managed and benefitted from his leadership. He said many people have been left sad by his loss.

"I knew him and he was a fantastic human being."