Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago extends condolences to the family, friends and the East Indian Culture and Media fraternities on the passing of Hans Hanoomansingh, a pioneering journalist and key figure in promoting Indo-Trinidadian culture.
“…, he has led a prodigious life dedicated to journalism in radio and television. And as a journalist he was as versatile as he was competent – having worked as an announcer, producer, editor, news analyst and as anchor of then Trinidad and Tobago Television’s flagship news programme, “Panorama”. During his illustrious career he has interviewed hundreds of personalities, including South Africa’s indefatigable anti-apartheid warrior, Bishop Desmond Tutu and Calcutta’s angel of mercy, Mother Teresa.
He has produced, narrated and directed an enviable list of documentaries on people including all our past Presidents. Some use the airwaves to divide but he has used it to build – reconstructing lives of citizens and places. His pioneering programme “From the Silver Screen” was the most listened to programme on the 1960s. He could produce documentaries on subjects as diverse as the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha and the Spiritual Baptists; Christmas and Divali. This speaks of an ecumenism that is surprising for one who grew up in a remote village 50 years ago.”
A excerpt taken from ‘The citation for the conferral of the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa on Hans Hanoomansingh, delivered by the Public Orator of The UWI, Professor Surujpaul Teelucksingh at the graduation ceremony on October 30, 2010.’
Mr. Hans Hanoomansingh was awarded the Hummingbird Gold in 1990 in the sphere of Culture.
May his soul rest in peace.
Image: Jyoti Communications