Senate pays tribute to ‘Yaxsie’ and Cynthia Alfred
Senior Reporter
dareece.polo@guardian.co.tt
The Senate yesterday honoured two former members who have died, Hamlet “Yaxsie” Joseph and Cynthia Alfred, reflecting on their significant contributions to national life.
Joseph, renowned for his involvement with the Tapia House group, entered the Senate in 1974 following the defection of the late Roy Richardson from the People’s National Movement (PNM). He passed away on September 12 at the age of 88.
Former journalist and independent senator Sunity Maharaj yesterday described Joseph as a true community leader, emphasising that the term had taken on a different connotation in recent times.
“Hamlet Joseph was a community leader, long before community leaders were identified as being men with guns and arms who enforced their authority by weaponry. His weapons were dialogue, rational thought, persuasion and a belief that the people of Laventille were special,” she said as the Senate met for the Budget debate.
Maharaj recounted Joseph’s advocacy for the underprivileged in Laventille, noting his vocal opposition to the elimination of the Development Employment Work Programme (DEWD) in 1987.
“He was the lone voice mourning its loss whereas the rest of the country was saying good riddance to what they considered a waste,” she said, highlighting how he defended the contributions of steelpan workers.
She reflected on her last encounter with him at the revival of the Highlanders Steel Orchestra, where he sought to promote the pan as a transformational instrument.
“In the midst of all the revelry, Hamlet tried to promote an agenda of talking about pan, but his lone voice was swept away,” she recalled, adding that despite his quieter nature in later years, he remained steadfast in his beliefs.
Minister of Digital Transformation Hassel Bacchus praised Joseph as a mentor and community leader, acknowledging his successful efforts to secure the property for the Highlanders Steel Orchestra.
“Mr Joseph’s commitment to education, collaboration, and ensuring that all members of our national communities have a voice remains as important today as it was 50 years ago,” Bacchus stated.
Opposition Senator Wade Mark echoed these sentiments, hailing Joseph as a “grassroots politician” who challenged the status quo, noting that he wouldn’t have been able to express his own style without Joseph’s influence.
Senate President Nigel De Freitas concluded the tribute by recognising Joseph as part of the Tapia House trio, driven by a desire to upset politics as it were and uplift the lives of ordinary citizens.
Ancil Dennis sworn in
Ancil Dennis made his maiden speech in the Senate yesterday, succeeding former Government senator Laurel Lezama Lee Sing, who resigned on September 26 after an interim protection order was filed against her by her husband.
In paying tribute to the late Cynthia Alfred, who died on October 15 at the age of 84, Dennis referred to her as a “daughter of the soil” and a Tobagonian who “blazed the trail” in politics.
He noted her historic role as Tobago’s first female deputy chief secretary, having entered politics in 1997.
Dennis highlighted Alfred’s deep investment in Tobago’s culture, mentioning her direction of plays and significant involvement in the Tobago Heritage Festival.
“In her usual style, very charismatic, she was a towering figure throughout her political life,” he remarked, calling her passing “a significant loss.”
Opposition Senator Jearlean John also praised Alfred as a giant with a strong legacy, describing her as approachable yet defiant, always ready to advocate for Tobago.
Independent Senator Dr Maria Dillon-Remy added that Alfred was instrumental in addressing Tobago’s health needs, initiating crucial health services such as trips to Tobago for dialysis, as this was previously unavailable on the island.
Dillon-Remy also noted Alfred’s role in cultural initiatives, including her contributions to the best village scripts and her trilogy for Heritage opening nights.
Senate President De Freitas characterised Alfred as a community leader and cultural icon, urging senators to continue her legacy of service.
“She was a mentor, a guide, and a source of information for many,” he said, emphasising the importance of carrying on her work.
The post Senate pays tribute to ‘Yaxsie’ and Cynthia Alfred first appeared on CNC3.