President Weekes extends condolences on queen's death

PRESIDENT Paula-Mae Weekes has extended this country's sympathies to the Royal Family following Thursday's death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Last night, the Office of the President issued a short statement saying, "On behalf of the people of Trinidad and Tobago and on her own behalf, Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago offers her deepest condolences to King Charles III, the rest of the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom on the death of their beloved monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

It said, "Queen Elizabeth's 70-year reign – the longest of any British monarch – was personified by humility, dignity and absolute dedication to duty, traits that are to be greatly admired.

"May she rest in eternal peace."

Earlier this year, the President was invited and accepted an invitation by the queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebration Committee to attend events marking the occasion. The TT Defence Force Steel Orchestra also travelled, and performed at a private rehearsal at Windsor Castle, where the Weekes met with the queen, presenting the monarch with the gift of an ornament, named Woman on the Bass, which was designed and created by artist Gillian Bishop, on behalf of TT citizens.

President Weekes and other dignitaries joined the queen on the final night of the Royal Windsor Horse Show, where the Defence Force Steel Orchestra performed in front of the queen and an appreciative crowd.