Ex-parliamentary colleagues mourn 'courageous' Dr Emanuel Hosein

Dr Emanuel Hosein -

Dr Emanuel Hosein, former health minister (1987-1991), was remembered for his courage in his personal and political life, particularly during the 1990 attempted coup, by two former Cabinet colleagues. Hosein, 75, died on Monday, after an illness.

The Parliament website said he was the ULF opposition MP for Naparima (1981-1986) and then the NAR government MP for Tunapuna and health minister (1987-1991).

He was awarded the Chaconia Medal Gold for advocating for the rights of differently-abled individuals. He had been chair of the UN Secretary General's Council on Disability, a commissioner on the TT Equal Opportunity Commission and was chairman of the TT Chapter of Disabled Peoples International.

Former NAR leader Winston Dookeran fondly recalled sitting alongside Hosein in the former NAR government (1986-1991) as planning minister.

Former Speaker Nizam Mohammed saluted Hosein for saving the lives of hostages during the attempted coup inside the Red House when it was taken over by Jamaat Al Muslimeen insurgents.

Dookeran told Newsday, "I was quite saddened to have learned last night of his passing.

"It was quite sad news because Emanuel was not only a colleague at the political level but was a good friend over the years."

Dookeran said Hosein was probably "the most courageous person" he had ever met. "He has been fighting in his own way, being a victim of polio as a young child and has lived a wonderful life as a doctor, community work, parliamentarian. It has been an extraordinary life of courage."

Dookeran said during Hosein's recent illness, he had shown courage, supported by his equally courageous wife, Claudette.

"There are so many things he has done to uplift our people, to uplift our nation and to have played an important role.

"He should be remembered for his very humanitarian role in the 1990 event as a medical doctor in Parliament. He attended to all victims, both hostages as well as members of the Muslimeen. It was not only a heroic act on his part but also an act of deep humanitarianism, consistent with faith and his oath as a doctor.

"There are many other things. But I am saddened.

"Over the years, I never lost contact with him."

Mohammed told Newsday, "I saw him as a man possessing a courage of steel who was a lifelong friend of mine from whom I and many others got inspiration and encouragement.

"I had the honour of introducing him to political life in 1980 as chairman of the ULF."

He said Hosein had been a doctor at Caroni (1975) Ltd in Usine Ste Madeline where he gained a lot of experience in interfacing with working-class people throughout the sugar belt.

Mohammed said, "We were more than happy to present him as candidate for Naparima the following year. He won handsomely and began his formal time in the politics of TT."

He said Hosein had been a childhood victim of polio but nothing daunted him from his goals as he faced various challenges including studying medicine in Jamaica where he also married his wife whom he brought to live in TT.

Mohammed said Hosein would host colleagues at home in Petit Morne to discuss politics and political strategy. "As an MP for two consecutive terms rising to the level of Cabinet minister, he was a living example – through his public life – of what courage and determination can bring to one."

Mohammed said Hosein had a stint as a prison doctor where he treated and counselled inmates.

"As district medical officer he reached out to people who could not afford medical assistance.

"His entire life was one of total dedication to the needs of the humble and simple folk in our various communities."

He said Hosein had a life that was well-lived, held countless accomplishments and had been an example to everyone.

Asked about the 1990 attempted coup, Mohammed dubbed it, "one of the most abhorrent experiences" he had ever witnessed, especially in the humiliation suffered by hostages.

Mohammed said even in those dire circumstances Hosein had assisted others who might not have made it without his intervention.

He said assailants had stuffed a cloth into the mouth of then prime minister Arthur NR Robinson and in doing so had almost suffocated him to death.

"Hosein was the one who saved the prime minister."