PNCR Message on the passing of Former President, A.N.R. Robinson

The People’s National Congress Reform joins the rest of the region in mourning the passing of former President of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson, SC, OCC, TC also known as A.N.R. Robinson. Mr. Robinson died on Wednesday 9^th April 2014 at the St. Clair Medical Hospital after a prolonged illness. He was 87 years old.The PNCR has followed with close interest the outstanding career of Mr. A.N.R. Robinson. Educated as a lawyer and lettered in economics, he became a member of the Federal Parliament in 1958. Later, he was Minister of Finance and then Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Eric Williams Administration in 1961. As political changes took hold in Trinidad, A.N.R. Robinson first formed his own political organization, the Action Committee of Democratic Citizens (ACDC) and then combined subsequently with other opposition forces and formed the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR) and triumphed at the elections in 1986.

As Prime Minister, A.N.R. Robinson was a constant advocate for Caribbean unity and development. Indeed, it was the paper he presented to the Heads of Government Conference at Grand Anse, Grenada in 1989 entitled, “The West Indies Beyond 1992”, which would form the basis for the establishment of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the Assembly of Caribbean Community Parliamentarians and the Caribbean Economic Conference. He also advocated the establishment of a West Indian Commission, which was set and chaired by Mr. S.S. Ramphal.

And in the tradition of outstanding West Indian thinkers who have contributed to the establishment of global institutions, A.N.R. Robinson played a role in the International Criminal Court. His political skill and his knowledge of local and regional politics ensured that he held three of the highest offices in Trinidad and Tobago: Chairman of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), from 1981-1986; Prime Minister from 1986-1991; and President from 1997-2003.

He was the recipient of a number of international and regional awards including Caricom’s highest award, the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) and Tobago’s highest award, the Tobago Medal of Honour.

The PNCR tenders its sincere condolences to his immediate family, his extended family, friends, relatives and all of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.