“Find a job that you like and you never have to work one day in your life.”
These were the words of Chairman Emeritus of the ANSA McAL Group Dr Anthony N Sabga, which his son, A Norman Sabga, reflected on yesterday as the family mourned his passing at the age of 94.
In a brief statement sent to staff of the ANSA MCAL Group via email, A Norman Sabga, the Group Chairman and chief executive, said: “It is with great sadness that I advise you of the passing of our beloved Chairman Emeritus Dr Anthony N Sabga, ORTT.”
Sabga said his concern was always with the welfare of the ANSA family “of which every one of you are a part.”
He said, “We will always remember him as a devoted family man, a colleague, a leader, a visionary and one of the greatest entrepreneurs in the twentieth century.”
Chairman Sabga said some would have interacted with his father in various ways while others would have known him “through his legendary business acumen.”
“His family, all of us, will remember him as straightforward, a sincere and passionate leader, devoted friend and mentor to those who needed his assistance.”
Chairman Sabga said “never having lost his humility, Dr Sabga encountered people of all backgrounds, regardless of race or gender and even at the age of 94 was still able to impart knowledge to those who were around him.
“We will never forget his word, ‘Find a job that you like and you never have to work one day in your life.’ He certainly did and we hope that the lessons of his life, of persistence, hard work, generosity, care for the less fortunate, honour and respect for all persons will live on in each of us.”
In a release, ANSA McAL said Dr Sabga emigrated from Syria to Trinidad and Tobago in 1930 and began his business career in his father’s business - NS Sabga and Sons, and from those humble beginnings became one of the most innovative and successful businessmen in the region.
The company pointed out that Dr Sabga was also a major supporter of the University of the West Indies and the group founded the ANSA McAL Centre for Psychological Research.
Dr Sabga leaves to mourn his wife Miverva and children Linda, Norman, Joann, David, Donna and Andrew and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements and special memorial service for employees of the ANSA McAL Group, celebrating the life and legacy of Dr Sabga, will be announced shortly.
