An excellent economist, a wonderful human being and a daughter of the soil.

These were some of the words used to describe Patricia Robinson, the wife of former president Arthur NR Robinson, who died yesterday.

President George Maxwell Richards, in a release, stated that he and his wife Dr Jean Ramjohn-Richards were saddened by the death.

’An outstanding daughter of the soil, Patricia Robinson was a brilliant economist who, as a senior public servant, faithfully served this nation, making an indelible contribution to the development of the banking and financial sectors, inter alia, in Trinidad and Tobago, before assuming her role as First Lady from 1997 to 2003. Her influence, as an economist, in areas such as double taxation, was felt throughout the region. The nation owes her a debt of gratitude,’ the release said.

’To her family, she was a supportive and loving wife, mother and grandmother. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today-to her husband, The Honourable Arthur NR Robinson, her children, David and Ann Margaret, her granddaughter, Anushka, as well as to her extended family.’

Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday told the Express, ’I wish to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the family. I had the opportunity of knowing Mrs Robinson when Mr Robinson worked with me. She was a very able economist and she did a lot of good work. I know she has been ailing for some time and I am very sorry to hear about her passing.’

Political Leader of the Congress of the People (COP) Winston Dookeran praised Robinson’s work as an economist.

’I worked with her ... and I always admired her for her forthrightness and her professionalism. She was a great asset to the economic steam when the NAR came to government and there again I saw Patricia’s undying commitment to Trinidad and Tobago for which we must acknowledge her,’ he said.

’I would like to take the opportunity to extend our deepest sympathy to Mr ANR Robinson and his children on what clearly is the end of an era of a generation of economists that Trinidad and Tobago has produced.’

Zalayhar Hassanali, wife of former and late president Noor Hassanali, also expressed condolences to the Robinson family.

’I knew the whole family very well. She was an excellent economist and a lovely person. I would like to extend my condolences to Mr Robinson and their two children, David and Ann Margaret,’ she said.