Prime Minister says thank you

PRIME MINISTER Kamla Persad-Bissessar has sent an official letter to outgoing president George Maxwell Richards thanking him for his “decade of dedicated and committed service” to this country.

Richards, the country’s fourth president, officially demitted office yesterday.

He will be replaced by Anthony Carmona today.

“Your Excellency can take great satisfaction from the fact that you have served our beloved nation for a decade with honour and distinction,” the letter dated March 14 stated.

The letter was sent to the Office of the President located at Queen’s Park East, St Ann’s from the Office of the Prime Minister.

It was signed by Persad-Bissessar.

“You will be leaving an indelible mark with the dignity, wisdom and perspicacity you always displayed during you two term of office,” the letter stated.

“Your insightful words and guidance, particularly to the youth of our country, will remain relevant and memorable in the years ahead as we continue to evolve and grow in our national development,” it stated.

Persad-Bissessar lauded Richards for his counsel over the years.

“I am particularly mindful of the counsel you always provided to me a prime minister and your willingness at all time to share in frank and productive consultations,” the letter stated.

Persad-Bissessar stated her Cabinet joined her in extending “best wishes” to Richards and his wife Dr Jean Ramjohn-Richards.

“You will both be missed by all citizens as well as the many organisations you both served as patrons, or whose work you both supported,” the letter stated.

“I extend to both of you the sincerest appreciation of a grateful nation for your decade of dedicated and committed service to Trinidad and Tobago, as well as my personal gratitude for the support you gave to me and my government and wish you every success in your future endeavours,” it stated.

Express