ANR Robinson gravesite to get facelift

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) will give the gravesite of Tobago-born ANR Robinson, a facelift. Robinson is the only citizen to ever hold the titles of President, Prime Minister, and Chief Secretary.

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) will give the gravesite of Tobago-born ANR Robinson, a facelift. Robinson is the only citizen to ever hold the titles of President, Prime Minister, and Chief Secretary.

THA’s Assistant Secretary in the Division of Tourism, Culture, and Transportation, and Deputy Presiding Officer Shomari Hector announced the gravesite upgrade at this week’s virtual post-Executive Council media briefing on Wednesday from the Ann Mitchell Gift Auditorium, Scarborough library.

Reacting to the news, Chairman of the Eric Williams Memorial Committee, Reginald Vidale, said he was overwhelmed by the news.

Over the years, Vidale has been a staunch advocate for the gravesite to be uplifted.

Every year, to mark the anniversary of the stalwart’s death, Vidale has placed a wreath on the grave.

“I feel wonderful to know there is going to be an upgrade of the site,” he said. “It is befitting of the man, his contributions to Tobago, and Trinidad. I want to congratulate those who have seen it fit to give him the kind of dignified memory that he deserves.”

He added: “It also augurs well for tourism as it can be a site that is visited by people who come to these shores and who wish to see who is the man who was our President, Prime Minister and Chief Secretary.”

The late Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson, former President and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, and former Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly.

Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson was born on December 16, 1926. He died on April 9, 2014.

A lawyer by trade, he is famous for the words,” Attack with full force!”. He uttered the famous phrase in 1990, when the Jamaat al Muslimeen stormed the Parliament chamber during an attempted coup.