The death of Ken Valley is a great loss to the People’s National Movement (PNM), party leader Dr Keith Rowley said yesterday.
Rowley said Valley’s death was a personal great loss to him, adding that the people of this country owed Valley a debt of gratitude for the remarkable contribution he made on behalf of all citizens.
“Mr Valley’s passing comes is a great loss to me personally as he was always a trusted friend and reliable colleague. He was a great servant of the PNM and on behalf of the leadership and members of the party I extend my deepest sympathy to the Valley family who provided him with unstinting support during his period of public service and more particularly during his recent illness,” Rowley stated in a press release.
Rowley hailed Valley, a former MP of Diego Martin Central and Minister of Trade, as a distinguished citizen who exemplified the qualities of loyalty and dedication.
He noted that Valley started his public career as a public servant in the Ministry of Finance and eventually became a hard working minister in the government.
Valley, he said, also served in the opposition where he contributed significantly to the rebuilding of the PNM and made significant contributions to the establishment of policies and programmes which were effected by the party and government.
A release from the PNM’s general secretary Ashton Ford noted some of Valley’s successes during his political career in particular as a former trade minister.
These include development of trade links with Latin America, Caricom free-trade agreements and diversification of the economy, including the formation of E-Teck.
Ford said the PNM will hold discussions with Valley’s immediate family to determine what role the party will play in the funeral arrangement and what the party can do to honour his contributions.
The Diego Martin Central constituency will be holding a prayer service tomorrow. There is also a condolences book at the party headquarters, Balisier House 1, Tranquillity Street, Port of Spain, for members of the public to sign.
The following are comments on Valley’s death from some of his political colleagues:
Former government minister Dr Lenny Saith:
Ken was a very hard working person, for the party, for his constituents. He also was a nationalist, he believed in the country and the people and throughout his political career that was a thread that ran right through his purpose to work.
Diego Martin North East MP Colm Imbert:
He was a very passionate man, full of life, very emotional and committed to everything he was doing. He genuinely believed that whatever he was doing was for the benefit of everyone in the country and I thought he was sincere and my own belief has been confirmed by people from outside Trinidad who have been calling me this morning telling me how sorry they were.
PNM chairman Franklin Khan:
Mr Valley has indeed been a stalwart for the PNM, he started his political career in 1987 when he was appointed a Senator.
He really exceeded during 2001 and 2007, he held five senior positions.
Diego Martin Central MP Dr Amery Browne:
Ken Valley always showed dedication to duty and his leadership of the constituency of Diego Martin Central was astute. He will be remembered with great fondness.
Former culture minister Joan Yuille-Williams:
Ken, to me, was more than a friend, colleague and fellow worker. He was an exemplar in many instances. We all loved Ken for his courage and competency which went hand in hand as he proceeded through life always being forthright in his relations without flinching from his responsibilities.
PNM general secretary Ashton Ford:
Between 1987 to 1991 and 1995 to 2000 when we were in opposition, I think that was when Mr Valley showed through character and strength. He was a consummate worker, he had an enormous appetite for hard work and I remember in the Opposition days between 1995 and 2000 he would work whole day and whole night in leading a team to prepare the budget response.
Former prime minister Basdeo Panday:
I worked with him as you know and although we were on different sides of the political fence we had a healthy human relationship and I am so sorry that he has passed away. I want to extend my sympathy and condolences to his friends and relatives.
UNC chairman Jack Warner:
Mr Valley had devoted his life to the development of this country and his loss robs us of the wisdom he acquired over the years which would have augured well for all of us as we seek to make Trinidad and Tobago a better place. to order our lives in the way that Ken did with dignity and love for all mankind.
Former attorney general Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj:
Mr Valley, although we were on different political sides in the Parliament, he worked in the national interest when I was both leader of Government Business and Opposition Chief Whip. He was a person who was well acquainted with parliamentary procedure and he was a great asset to the nation and I know that he had been ailing for some time and I extend my condolences to his family. (Trinidad Express)
