Clive Pantin, who wore many hats, including politician, educator, national sportsman and philanthropist, died yesterday at age 84. His funeral will be held at 11 am on Tuesday at the St Theresa’s RC Church and will be officiated by the current principal of Fatima College, Fr. Gregory Augustine
In 1973, Pantin became Fatima College’s first lay principal.
His son, veteran journalist Bernard Pantin, who is expected to deliver the eulogy at the funeral, said his father lived a “very full” life.
“He has had such a wide and varied life which is something we are all very proud of because it was very full when you look at all the different things that he did,” the younger Pantin said.
“We are very proud of the outpouring of comments from people, it is sad in its own way but it was testament to who he was and we are all very appreciative of what people think,.”
Education Minister Anthony Garcia, who like Pantin also held the post Fatima College principal before eventually becoming a Cabinet member, described his predecessor as a stalwart .
Between 1986 to 1991 Pantin served as a senator with the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR) and was Education Minister.
“Mr Pantin, over the years, had established himself as a stalwart in education and in general, a true patriot of Trinidad and Tobago. With a stellar career in education spanning from the first lay principalship of Fatima College and subsequently assuming the office of Minister of Education, Mr Pantin will be remembered for his willingness to serve and his commitment to all people,” Garcia said.
Garcia described Pantin’s passing as “a loss that cannot be measured or explained.”
“The work and commitment of men like Clive Pantin are an example that all our young people should strive to emulate,” he said.
Pantin was the founder of the Foundation for the Enhancement and Enrichment of Life (FEEL) which became an effective vehicle to assist in the alleviation of poverty and hunger throughout the country. FEEL was recently engaged by the Education Ministry to support its hurricane relief efforts, Garcia said.
Before making his name as a principal, politician and philanthropist, Pantin attended St Mary’s College. He also played football for the national team from 1957 to 1962 and represented the country in hockey.
As a mark of respect, a minute’s silence was held before kick off at all Secondary School Football League games yesterday. Pantin was described as an “avid supporter of the SSFL”.
Former Central Bank Governor Jwala Rambarran said it was because of Pantin that his mother insisted he attend Fatima College.
“My lasting memories of Mr. Clive Pantin are that of an exemplary teacher, leader and patriot. He was a towering figure of strength, who never waned in his support and love for his students, family, and the less fortunate in our society,” Rambarran said.
Opposition Senator Dr Bhoe Tewarie took to social media to offer condolences to the Pantin family on the loss of “an illustrious son of T&T who gave much and cared.”