Energy sector hails Franklin Khan for service to youth, country's development

THE Energy Chamber is remembering Energy Minister Franklin Khan as a passionate man who enjoyed developing young talent.

Khan died on Saturday morning and members of the government, opposition and those in the energy industry, among many others, have been sending condolences to his friends and family.

In a release, the chamber said it worked closely with the late senator for decades.

"He has spoken at many of our public events and conferences over many years and has always been willing to discuss ideas and policies for the development of the industry. He was passionate about developing the talent of young industry professionals and put a lot of time and effort into that objective over the past few years.

"Before entering the public service, he was a respected industry professional and has many personal friends and colleagues across the sector. He will be missed and mourned by friends and colleagues throughout the energy industry in Trinidad and Tobago and around the world."

The Chaguanas Chamber of Commerce also issued a release on his death, hailing him as a "national Titan in TT."

Its president Richie Sookhai said, "While we share in the loss of Minister Khan with his family, we also thank the late public servant for his service to the country in his various incarnations as Minister of Works and Transport, Rural Development and Local Government and also as Minister of Energy and Energy Industries."

The American Chamber of Commerce said Khan always did his public duties with diligence, adding that between 2002 and 2005, he was a “super minister” and the then government’s “go-to problem solver".

“In our interaction with him, senator Khan was always open and engaging. His signature smile provided a window to his personality. He was willing to listen and consider different points of view.

"His steely competence and commitment towards national development have left an indelible mark on TT.”

Khan was also hailed for his contributions to the growth and development of National Petroleum Marketing Company Ltd (NP) by its board of directors.

In a release, it said, "We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the honourable senator and join with the national community in acknowledging his stellar contribution to the energy industry."

BP also said it was saddened by Khan's death and that he was a "patriot and champion for the progress of the energy industry who, for decades, has dedicated his life to the development of the natural resources of TT for the benefit of its citizens."

Its president, Claire Fitzpatrick, said Khan was a gentleman and a "man of vision for the energy sector," who always put citizens first.

"He will always be remembered for his dedication and for taking the energy industry forward...He is someone I will remember for his dedication to ensuring that the people of TT benefited from their country’s natural resources. His unexpected passing is a shock to us all and we keep his loved ones in our thoughts at their time of grief.”

Trinidad Petroleum Holdings (TPHL) chairman Michael Quamina praised "Frankie" for the company's "birth." He said Khan had vast knowledge and "reassuring ability to listen to and give careful consideration of all aspects before reaching a conclusion."

"His inimitable ever-present smile and kind demeanour made him an approachable leader of notable distinction.

"The success of TPHL subsidiary companies is in no small part due to his astute leadership. Moreover, Frankie, as he was affectionately known, spent most of his adult life in service to TT lending his expertise and experience to furthering our economic wellbeing.

"As such, this nation owes him a large debt of gratitude. He demonstrated passion and continued dedication to the strategic development of the oil and gas industries in TT and its valuable impact and returns for our nation and its people."

Shell also spoke of working closely with Khan over the years.

In its statement, Shell vice president Eugene Okpere, said: “We had the privilege of developing a strong working relationship with him, and we greatly appreciated his wise counsel, sound strategic mind and collaborative leadership approach. It has been our deep honour to work with him.”

OPPOSITION REMEMBERS KHAN

OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said she is saddened by the death of Energy Minister Franklin Khan.

In a release, Persad-Bissessar said she sends condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

"I pray that they can find peace and comfort during this difficult time," she said.

"Mr Khan dedicated much of his life in service to his country, and his contributions over a period of almost two decades as an MP a minister of Government in varying capacities in two PNM administrations and as a senator, are laudable."

In a post to Twitter, Tabaquite MP Anita Haynes echoed Persad-Bissessar's sentiments, saying Khan will "be remembered for his enduring commitment and service to country."