Senator: Rename a parliament library for Sheranne Samuel

Paul Richards -
Paul Richards -

INDEPENDENT Senator Paul Richards has suggested Parliament rename one of its libraries in honour of late procedural clerk assistant Sheranne Samuel.

He was speaking in the Senate on Friday as tributes were paid to her by the various benches.

Samuel, 34, died on September 27 after being admitted to the Port of Spain General Hospital with a massive headache. She could not be given a CT scan there, and her treatment was delayed when her family had to pay for one privately. She was found to have had a massive brain bleed.

Richards said Samuel was loving, caring, dedicated, professional, intelligent, diligent and a woman of integrity.

"Through her short life she left an indelible mark not only on the Parliament but the people of TT."

He praised her as a shining example of the public service and the promise of youth in TT.

"She is a shining example of what a family and a village can do in a raising a child in the right way and what kind of citizen we want in TT."

He said while libraries are normally renamed for parliamentarians, he suggested one be renamed in her honour, "So her good works and contribution can be remembered."

Senate Vice President Nigel De Freitas said he remembered her smile in the joint select committee meeting rooms as well as her work ethic and quiet resolve.

"She was an exemplar of what this institution is about. She was a colleague, friend, she was family."

He added: "Sometimes in life you make plans and we execute them in our timing. Our timing is not God's timing. On September 27 God's timing called her home."

He sent condolences to her friends, family and her parliamentary family.

Opposition Senator Wade Mark described Samuel as a simple individual who performed complex tasks with a deep sense of purpose and sensitivity. He praised her as a tireless and selfless public servant who worked in pain and discomfort for the people of this great country.

"What a monumental tragedy to have befallen not only her family but her colleagues and and the country."

He said she was thoughtful, caring, humble, selfless, intelligent and hard-working.

"Let us celebrate her short but quality life."

Senate President Christine Kangaloo said Samuel epitomised professionalism and dedication.

"We are all grieving for her and are acutely feeling her loss."

She said she was grateful Samuel chose to be part of Parliament's team when her academic achievement might have earned her more remuneration elsewhere.

"But her dedication to country was so acute she chose to let her bucket down with us."

She thanked Samuel's mother for raising such a beautiful woman.

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"Senator: Rename a parliament library for Sheranne Samuel"

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