On Sunday 13th July, 2014, the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission, along with its Diaspora (Nationals), paid tribute to the life and legacy of former President and Prime Minister, His Excellency  Arthur N.R. Robinson, T.C., O.C.C., S.C. The Service was well attended by nationals and also included representatives from CARICOM High Commissions in London and the University of London.

Nationals took part in the lively service filled with song and praise. Canon John Metivier opened the ceremony with a prayer, which was followed by Bible readings. Tributes from the Robinson family, the Tobago House of Assembly, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, S.C., M.P., Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and His Excellency Anthony Carmona, S.C., O.R.T.T., President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, were delivered by senior members of staff of the High Commission.

The service also featured a unique cultural interlude from Mr. Rion George and Ms. Karimah Farrell, Miss Trinidad and Tobago UK, who performed a speech band. A traditional form of oratory, the speech band was said to be Mr. Robinson’s favourite cultural art form. Accompanied by drums, the performers celebrated Mr. Robinson as a champion of justice, truth and law, and a man of valour with a dream of a strong, peaceful land. Musical interludes were performed by the B.I.G. Choir, whose renditions of ‘Lord I’m Available to You’ and ’Total Praise’ moved the audience.

Father Edmund Cargill-Thompson, Vicar of St. Peter’s Church, delivered a stirring homily, illustrating the comparison of King David, king of a tiny nation who left an indelible legacy for people around the world, and Mr. Robinson, leader of a small land whose role in establishing the International Criminal Court had left a legacy of justice for all the world. Father Cargill-Thompson also recalled David’s fabled bravery against Goliath, comparing it to Mr. Robinson’s refusal to order the forces of democracy to stand down during the 1990 coup, instead risking his life to tell them to fight on.

The service came to an end with prayers of intercession from Canon Metivier, Pandita Arsha Gosine MBE, Hindu Society, and Mrs. Asela El Morsey, Muslim Society.

Following the Service, a Reception was held at the High Commission where guests enjoyed the music of the C.S.I. steel band and shared their memories of one of Trinidad and Tobago’s greatest statesmen.