'Champ of Indo-Trini heritage' – PM, President mourn death of Deoroop Teemal

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and President Christine Carla Kangaloo have offered heartfelt condolences after the death of Independent Senator Deoroop Teemal, highlighting his legacy of cultural preservation and national service.

Teemal, 68, who was also the president of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC), died early on August 3 at his St Augustine home.

A statement from Persad-Bissessar expressed "profound sorrow" at the news and extended condolences on behalf of the Government and people of TT to Teemal's wife, Geeta, their two daughters, the wider Teemal family, and the NCIC community.

She described Teemal as a man who had served "culture and country with distinction" for more than two decades.

"As NCIC president and a senior organiser of Divali Nagar, he championed the preservation and celebration of Indo-Trinidadian heritage, fostering mutual respect across our diverse society," Persad-Bissessar said.

"In the Senate, his measured analyses, courtesy, and steadfast commitment to the public good earned universal respect," Persad-Bissessar said.

The Prime Minister highlighted interactions she had with Teemal at various public events, including the Divali Nagar, community forums, and within the political sphere.

She added he was invariably warm and cordial.

"His gracious demeanour and attentive ear promoted genuine dialogue and strengthened the spirit of cooperation essential to effective public service," Persad-Bissessar said.

"Beyond his cultural and parliamentary contributions, Teemal applied his expertise as a civil and structural engineer to projects that bolstered critical infrastructure and public utilities, underscoring his dedication to national development and the welfare of our citizens."

She charged that his passing is a tremendous loss to the Indo-Trinidadian cultural community and the nation as a whole.

"Yet his work — profoundly patriotic and grounded in public service — will endure, inspiring present and future generations to honour their heritage and serve TT with the same devotion," Persad-Bissessar said.

"May his soul journey peacefully into the cosmic embrace of the Divine, liberated from worldly toil and crowned with the blessings of a life well lived. May his family find solace in the high esteem in which he was held, and may his legacy remain a guiding light for all who labour for cultural preservation and national progress."

Kangaloo: Teemal served Senate with distinction, professionalism

Meanwhile, Kangaloo via the Office of the President Facebook page, also extended heartfelt condolences to Teemal's family, colleagues and the nation.

She highlighted Teemal's parliamentary service, saying he was an independent senator in the 13th Republican Parliament.

Kangaloo added that Teemal first entered the Senate in 2018 as an Independent Senator in the 11th Republican Parliament.

She said he continued to serve with "distinction, dedication, and unwavering professionalism" until his passing.

"A committed advocate for cultural preservation and development, he was widely respected for his integrity, patriotism, and service to the nation," she said.

"Outside of his parliamentary contributions, Teemal was a highly accomplished civil and structural engineer and project manager with over 37 years of experience."

She highlighted his expertise in project management, contract administration, construction implementation, and water and wastewater engineering.

Major national agencies, including the Ministry of Works, NIPDEC, WASA, and the Gaspar Grande Water Supply Project sought his expertise after.

Kangaloo added that Teemal's life was dedicated to service, culture and country.

The communications unit of the Culture and Community Development Ministry also joined the national community in mourning the death.

A media statement referred to Teemal as a dedicated son of the soil and a respected leader in the cultural sector.

He dedicated more than two decades of service to the NCIC.

It said Teemal also held various positions, including multiple terms as chairman of the Divali Nagar celebrations.

In April 2023, he was elected NCIC president, succeeding the late Dr Deokinanan Sharma. During his tenure, the ministry said Teemal worked tirelessly to advance the preservation, promotion, and celebration of Indian heritage, while strengthening the NCIC's role as a pillar of national cultural life.

Like the President, the ministry also highlighted his professional career as an engineer.

The statement quoted the line minister, Michelle Benjamin, as saying: "The country has lost a committed champion of culture and development. Senator Teemal's visionary leadership of the NCIC and unwavering dedication to cultural preservation helped strengthen the fabric of our diverse society. His legacy will be felt across generations."

"On behalf of the ministry, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, the entire Indian cultural community, and all those whose lives he touched."

The statement added that Teemal's life's work has left an indelible mark on TT, and his passing represents a profound loss to the nation.