Because he came from humble beginnings and was not able to achieve academically, two awards the late Chairman Emeritus of ANSA McAL Dr Anthony Norman Sabga cherished dearly were the Order of the Republic of T&T (ORTT) and the Doctorate of Laws bestowed upon him by the University of the West Indies.
The ORTT presented to him in 2011 and the doctorate he received in 1998 meant the world to Sabga, his son A Norman Sabga, group Chairman and Chief Executive of ANSA McAL, said yesterday as he delivered the eulogy at the funeral service at the Church of the Assumption in Maraval.
In paying final respects to his father, who left an indelible mark as one of the greatest Caribbean entrepreneurs of the 21st century, Sabga said his father rose above poverty, religious persecution, failures and crippling circumstances to become a legend in his own right, a patriot, family man and a stickler for education.
Sabga said while many carried heavy hearts on learning of his father’s passing, “we have so much to be thankful for. It was for that reason that we decided to wear that signature look of a red tie to honour his passion for life, because today is not for mourning but to celebrate his story.”
Saying love is never an easy feeling to put into words, Sabga said: “Dad loved life. And he lived it fully.”
It was for that reason, Sabga said hundreds yesterday showed up to bid their final farewell and to celebrate his father’s dreams, one that was conceived 94 years ago.
Being born into poverty, Sabga said his father fled his home in Syria due to religious persecution.
“Dad was a pioneer and entrepreneur like no other. He is even being labelled the man with the Midas touch,” he said.
Sabga emigrated from Syria to T&T in 1930 and began his business career in his father’s business - NS Sabga and Sons - before going on to become the most innovating and successful businessman in the region.
Sabga said the success of his father in the business world took vision, foresight and, more importantly, fortitude.
“You see, dad failed many times, but with each failure he got back up from dreaming. He used these dreams to fuel him further and further until he reaped the fruits of his efforts,” he said.
“Dad was a powerful man. He had powerful ideas, powerful vision and the ability to inspire. His dreams turned into realities and with that came accomplishments and accolades. I especially remembered the pride he felt the day the University of the West Indies bestowed upon him his Honorary Doctorate of Laws. This was the only academic certificate dad ever received in his life and he cherished it.”
In spite of his father’s crowning achievements, Sabga said he remained humble.
“Today, we gathered to celebrate gratitude. Despite all his achievements dad remained humble. He was quick to credit his achievements to others and to pay all tributes where due. On a personal note, I am grateful for the 94 years that God blessed us with his presence and I am blessed to have had him at my side for all these years,” said Sabga, his voice cracking as he spoke.
Sabga also heaped praises on those who came to his father’s side and provided him with medical care for the past year.
Among those who rendered Sabga medical expertise was his son-in-law Dr Michael Moses, Dr Simone Aboud-Moses and Dr Jacqui Sabga, who paid special attention to him in his final days. Doctors from the St Clair Medical Centre and Miami were also credited for looking after his father “as a son.”
“I also would like to give thanks to his nurse Elena, who has been with him for the last three years at his side caring for him.”
Sabga also spoke of family life and the special role his mother Minerva had.
“Our motto of unity through love and honour was so happily displayed today. Today, we celebrate love. Love based on affection, respect, encouragement and support…true love…the kind of love that was shared between dad and my mother when we were young,” he said.
“Mom stood with dad through every step of his journey on this Earth. You were his largest fan and his biggest critic. Your laugh was honest and true. And dad would be the first to admit that he was the man he was because he had you at his side.”
Sabga described his mother as being the epicentre of his father’s being and gave him his greatest gift “our amazing family.” He said those who truly knew his father knew his greatest source of pride was his family.
In his later years, Sabga said his father spent quality time with his grands and great grands and took immense interest in their education.
Sabga told mourners that they were in fact celebrating patriotism, “Dad was proud of his motherland and he cherished his culture.
“But these shores were not foreign to dad. This was his home. The home that he grew and met love for. Dad was honoured with the receipt of the country’s highest award…The Order of the Republic of T&T. This was his most single cherished award…for this award was proof that the country recognised his life-long worth and contribution.”
However, Sabga said his father’s patriotism was not restricted nor limited by size.
“He also had a love for the region. He saw himself a Caribbean man. He saw the amazing work being done throughout the region and sought to inspire and find some mechanism to reward these efforts.”
This passion, Sabga said, gave birth to the Anthony N Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence in 2005, which was also close to his father’s heart.
“Today, we celebrate his legacy. In reading through the hundreds of posts on social media and in the press one word stands out: legend. Like all legends, they never die.”
Looking at the congregation and family circle in the church, Sabga said he saw his father’s legacy.
“I see his legacy in all of you. I urge you all to hold true his values and his morals and to be guided by love for one another. What he leaves for you today is what he said, what he did and what he stood for. Be guided by his story and honour him by living your life as he did, grounded in faith, guided by integrity and directed by love.”
Sabga said his father’s life was one to celebrate and the celebration has only just begun.
“Rest in peace, dad. We love you.”
The song “Hallelujah” was then performed by Wendell Constantine and Stephanie Nahous.
Delivering the homily, Father Ron Mendes told mourners they were gathered for a man known for his reputation. In the past week, Mendes said many recounted what “Tony did for them and for our nation here today.”
Having been married to Minerva for almost 70 years, Mendes said she was a woman who could match him at every step.
“God blessed Tony with a great fate. Tony understood that the deeper his trust in God and the gifts and acumen with which God endowed him, the better a citizen he became. God blessed Tony with a love for his family. They have been thrilled to read and hear the many words of praise and admiration for him, for his intellect, his speeches, his altruism, his influence, his handwork and achievements, but more important to them and to him was that he was Tony. He was a father that God gave them for the great adventure of family life,” Mendes said.
Employees also say farewell
Earlier, the casket bearing Sabga’s body was carried up the aisle of the church to the altar by his grandsons. His bereaved wife Minerva and the children, along with their spouses, granddaughters and great grandchildren, followed the casket.
Through sobs, Sabga’s granddaughters Katherine El-Daher, Lisa Silver, Christiane Mansour, Anna Aboud, Emma Meyer and Teresa and Christie Sabga, in their opening prayers, asked God for “Grandpa Tony” to have eternal rest, stating that they will forever remember him for his humility, kindness and compassion for life, which became evident through the outpouring of sentiments since his passing.
Among those who attended the service were President Anthony Carmona and his wife Reema, Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad- Bissessar, Government Ministers Fitzgerald Hinds, Stuart Young, Paula Gopee-Scoon and Opposition MPs Dr Tim Gopeesingh, Barry Padarath and Dr Bhoe Tewarie.
Following the service, a procession was led along Maraval Road, Port-of-Spain, in front of the Tatil building, where he also worked at ANSA McAL’s headquarters on the 11th floor. Company staff lined the street to pay their last respects.
Sabga was later laid to rest in a private internment.
He leaves behind to mourn his six children, Linda Hadeed, Norman Sabga, JoAnn Moses, David Sabga, Donna Hadeed and Andrew Sabga as well as his 29 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
