On behalf of the Tobago House of Assembly, I extend deepest condolences to the family of Ms. Paula Patricia Hypolite, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tobago Development, on her sudden passing yesterday, October 10 2010. Although Ms. Hypolite would only have spent a short time in her post in Tobago, I am certain that she would have made a contribution to the lives and wellbeing of the residents of this island. Ms. Hypolite also served the people of Trinidad in various capacities during her numerous years in the public service.

Condolences also go out to the family of the late Doddridge Alleyne, an eminent son of the soil who died on Saturday October 9, at his Trinidad home. Mr. Alleyne had a long and distinguished career in the public service, having served as Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister and the first Head of the Public Service in Trinidad and Tobago. As Ambassador, he was appointed this country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, New York, in the 1980’s. Mr. Alleyne was the uncle of the Minister of Tobago Development, the Honourable Vernella Alleyne-Toppin, to whom particular condolences are extended on this double loss.