UNC Mourns Local Government Pioneer and Party Veteran Premchand Sookoo

The United National Congress is deeply saddened by the passing of Premchand Sookoo, a pioneer in the field of Local Government, a veteran committed to service in the Penal Debe Regional Corporation, and a stalwart of the United National Congress.

Beginning his career at the Victoria County Council in 1977, Premchand was motivated by politics as an avenue to change the lives of those around him, especially in his community. As a result, he contested his first election in 1983 for a seat within the then-Victoria Council, which seat was later incorporated into the then newly created Penal Debe Regional Corporation in 1990. Premchand spent 33 years, from 1983 to 2016, serving the people of Barrackpore West Electoral District as their elected Councilor.

As Chairman of the PDRC, he exemplified innovation, tenacity, and dynamism. His work was instrumental in enriching community infrastructure, alleviating flooding in many districts, and implementing key programs to better the socio-economic fabric of this region.

Premchand Sookoo has a dynamic record of being one of the longest-serving Local Government Representatives in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean, having served as an elected Local Government Councilor for 33 years. His dedication to public service, commitment to representative politics and his burgesses led to him receiving the Public Service Medal of Merit (Gold) in 2010.

As a party, beyond his defining positive impact on local government, the United National Congress is eternally grateful for his contribution to our party’s creation, preservation and success. He was one of the founding stalwarts of the party who guided, enhanced and protected our party organs over the years. On this premise, the Hon. Political Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar SC and the United National Congress awarded him a UNC Long Service Award for his distinguished service at the UNC’s 35th-anniversary celebrations.

Premchand Sookhoo left an indelible mark on the lives of all those he encountered and was an advocate for the people his entire life. He will always be the people’s representative and an icon for those new to the political arena to look up to. The UNC will always be grateful for Premchand Sookoo’s pivotal work. We have lost a faithful servant and son of our soil.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones and pray that God gives them the strength to endure this difficult time.

We shall never forget his contribution to the United National Congress, the people of Penal Debe, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP
9 February 2025