Former prime minister Patrick Manning:
I mourn with my fellow citizens of Trinidad and Tobago on the passing of former President and former Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Mr ANR Robinson. He has secured a place in the history of this blessed nation as one who has served in public life over several decades, dedicating himself to the service of the public and making significant and impactful decisions over his tenure both as Prime Minister and as President.
Mr Robinson will be remembered for his courage and bravery in the many dire circumstances he encountered as Prime Minister, most significant of which, was the 1990 attempted coup. We thank God for the long and fulfilling life that he has lived in the face of the many challenges.
On behalf of my family, the constituents of San Fernando East and myself, I send my sincere condolences to the family of the late Mr Robinson. I especially acknowledge the special place that Mr Robinson holds in the hearts of the people of Tobago, his homeland. I pray that God Almighty will comfort all who mourn at this time of loss. May his soul rest in peace.
THA Chief Secretary Orville London
On this sad day for the people of Tobago, as we all reflect on the news of ANR Robinson’s passing, the Tobago House of Assembly extends its condolences to every Tobagonian and citizen of our Republic at home and abroad, and especially to Mr Robinson’s family and friends. ANR Robinson was born in Calder Hall in 1926. After studying law at home and in London, England, Mr Robinson moved into politics, and this remained his passion for the rest of his life.
Mr Robinson’s career in public life took off in 1955, when he was elected to the then-Federal Parliament. In 1956, he became a founding member and treasurer of the People’s National Movement and was elected to the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament in 1961, as representative for Tobago East. In 1962, Robinson became the newly independent nation’s first minister of finance, responsible for restructuring the country’s financial institutions and reforming monetary policy.
He would go on to be instrumental in the success of political parties such as the National Alliance for Reconstruction and the Democratic Action Congress.
Mr Robinson is the only person in Tobago’s history to have held three of the nation’s highest public offices. First, he was Chairman of the Tobago House of Assembly from 1980 to 1986, and was thus the first leader of the modern THA. Second, he was Prime Minister of Tobago from 1986 to 1991. Then, from 1997 to 2003, Robinson served as President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Chief Secretary Orville London reflected on the life and work of one of Tobago’s finest sons. “It is impossible for anyone associated with Tobago not to feel a sense of awe on hearing the name Arthur NR Robinson. His achievements are legendary, his influence was far-reaching, and his vision has left an indelible mark on Tobago’s history. “Mr Robinson was not only one of the founding fathers of modern Tobago, he was also one of the architects of Trinidad and Tobago as an independent nation.
“Robinson not only gave decades of service to his beloved island, he also achieved a glowing reputation as an international statesman, and in the process helped shine a light on Tobago that still glows today. He helped plant the very seeds of our society and then nurtured them into the Tobago we know and love today. For all that and more, he will always be remembered with pride.
“Today we offer our most heart-felt condolences to his grieving family, but we also offer our gratitude and joy at having been honoured by his presence, and having benefited so greatly from his selfless devotion. The great Arthur NR Robinson is now resting, but his legacy is eternal.”
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon
The Secretary-General is saddened by the passing of a champion of international justice and one of the main architects of the International Criminal Court, the former Prime Minister and President of Trinidad and Tobago, ANR (Ray) Robinson. The Secretary-General extends his sincere condolences to the Robinson family and to the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago.
Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma
Today, we mourn the passing of Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson, an exemplary leader and statesman of Trinidad & Tobago, the Caribbean and the Commonwealth. He served with distinction as both President and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. His dedication to advancing Caribbean regionalism, initially through the West Indies Federation, and subsequently his strong support for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) remain worthy of high recognition.
ANR Robinson will also forever be internationally recognised for his proposal that eventually led to the founding of the International Criminal Court. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Robinson family at this sad time. On behalf of the Commonwealth family, I also offer condolences to the people of Trinidad and Tobago, who have lost a truly remarkable and inspirational statesman—one who contributed so much to his country, the Caribbean, the Commonwealth and the world at large.
Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque
I am extremely saddened by his passing even though he had been hospitalised it still came as a shock. The Caribbean Community has lost one of its truly great sons who will always be remembered for his historic role at the landmark Grand Anse Meeting in 1989, where the decision was taken to significantly deepen our integration. To his family, and the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago, I convey my deepest condolences.