PM sends condolences to Penny on the death of her father

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has sent her personal condolences to Penelope Beckles and her family on the passing of her father, Lionel Beckles.

In a statement issued Monday, the Prime Minister said: “It is a terrible tragedy that each of us must face in our lives, yet there is never a way to prepare ourselves for the agonizing loss of a parent.”

Adding that Lionel Beckles’ contribution to industrial relations must never be forgotten, the Prime Minister stated: “As a former General Secretary of the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU), Mr Beckles stood tall among the greats in our history such as George Weekes and certainly, left a legacy for eminent trade unionists such as Errol McLeod to follow.”

“I read today of Ms Beckles’ words as her father passed away; that his advice always boiled down to: be able to walk with Kings and Queens but maintain the common touch. He had a lot of pride. He worked very hard for us.”

“Indeed, as a trade unionist and a father to an upstanding and gentle person like Penelope, Mr Beckles was a man who lived by principle, and he did our nation proud.”

“On behalf of my family, the Government and indeed every citizen of our country, I pray for God’s comfort to the Beckles family and that Mr Beckles may find peace,” the Prime Minister stated.

-END-