'Trinidad and Tobago losing its titans' – close friends, family mourn Lenny Saith

RESHMA Saith, daughter of deceased former government minister Dr Lenny Saith, says Trinidad and Tobago is losing some of its most important people.

She made the comment while delivering her eulogy at her father's funeral at JE Guide's Funeral Home, San Fernando on August 28.

Reshma recalled humility, discipline and service as some of the hallmarks of Saith's career and life.

She said within recent years, Saith was concerned about the disintegration of civility, morals and values in TT

Reshma added that those developments would prompt him to ask "What about the country?"

She said, "It was as if none of his value mattered anymore."

Saith, Reshma continued, came from a generation of people who held firm to certain beliefs and principles.

She lamented that the number of such people were getting smaller.

"We are losing the titans of our country. My father was one of those titans."

Reshma said Saith left behind "a legacy of humility and service."

Saith's granddaughter Lekha Doddamani said many people remembered him as a politician and government minister.

Doddamani added that for her, Saith was "just grandpa."

She said he was an avid newspaper reader and would often ask her "what is the story," after she read news.

Saith, Doddamani continued, was an advocate of education and among the first people she always shared her academic achievements with.

Her mother Malini said few people got a glimpse into the private life of Saith.

She said fewer people knew about his adventures as a youth "chasing American GI trucks for chocolate bars" or his love for eating channa and watching cricket.

Saith died on August 25 at his home in Sumadh Garden, San Fernando. He was 90 years old.

Saith entered Parliament as a temporary senator in 1987. He became a minister in January 1992, serving as Planning and Development Minister and Leader of Government Business in the Senate. He served until May 2010.

President Christine Kangaloo, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles and former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley all paid tribute to Saith shortly after he died.

Beckles and Rowley were among those who attended Saith's funeral.

Also present were former government ministers Hazel Manning, Brian Manning, Colm Imbert, Christine Sahadeo, Joan Yuille-Williams, Terrence Deyalsingh, Marvin Gonzales, Foster Cummings and Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly