Late MP Clifton De Coteau was also a photographer who carried his camera “Betsy”, everywhere and late MP Eden Shand gave service which has been sewn into T&T’s fabric.
Those statements yesterday from UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar on De Coteau and from PNM MP Stuart Young on Shand were among tributes paid in Parliament to De Coteau and Shand who both died last week.
Shand died last Wednesday and De Coteau, last Friday .
Shand was the NAR MP for the former St Ann’s West seat and was a minister in the NAR administration over 1987 to 1988.
De Coteau , former Moruga Tableland MP, served in the PP Government over 2010-15. He was a Princes Town corporation alderman up to his death.
Education Minister Nyan Gadsby- Dolly said De Coteau was an esteemed son of T&T who’d given distinguished service from his career as a teacher and school supervisor to his political career . She said his entry into politics at 67 was admirable and by all accounts he was a dedicated MP.
Noting complimentary things said about De Coteau at his funeral, Gadsby –Dolly added,” His was a life well lived.”
She said that could be confirmed by so many different people whom De Coteau impacted.
Persad-Bissessar, in her long tribute tracing De Coteau’s career in and out of politics, said he remained a dedicated servant of the people, displaying passion for this, “He was more than just a politician – he was also a human being whose life showed he was dedicated to empowering, nurturing and developing others. “
“He pushed the bar of people- centred service higher as he aimed to serve more – he was a son of the soil, a patriot and loved humanity,”
Persad-Bissessar said de Coteau called “Uncle Coto” or “Papa Coto” was always there to help and remained a loyal servant of the people – even up to the time of his death , being a Princes Town corporation alderman.
House Speaker Bridgid Annisette –George said De Coteau was known as a strict disciplinarian who encouraged pride in the school he’d headed and in the school uniform,”His life was undoubtedly service to family, friends and students and people of all walks of life,”
Young said Shand ’s contributions were interwoven into T&T’s fabric, “He came forward and served and was very vociferous and an advocate for the environment.” Young thanked Shand’s family for his service to country.
UNC’s David Lee said Shand was committed to protecting citizens “He was never afraid to take action for selfless cause,” he said.
Annisette-George said Shand lived passionately, productively and purposefully,” He embodied service to T&T – authority columnist, and a founding member of the Citizens for Conservation.
Members observed a minute’s silence on bth MP’s passing.
