Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi says he hopes former national security minister Martin Joseph’s legacy would be “properly recognised” by the state. In an interview yesterday, he said many Government officials and other citizens have finally got the courage to confirm Joseph’s tremendous contribution in the fight against crime. He said so after the Government, in a release from the Communications Ministry, described Joseph as a good citizen and a master strategist.
Al-Rawi, who is also the PRO of the 59-year-old-party, said during Joseph’s tenure at the ministry there was a 35 per cent detection and conviction rate for homicide. He said under the current minister Gary Griffith the detection and conviction rate was three per cent. Joseph was national security minister from 2003 to 2010. Al-Rawi said Joseph should be remembered as the “true hero that he was.”
Joseph , who was the general secretary of the party from 1993 to 2010, drowned at Old Grange Bay, Tobago, on Monday. He was the party’s deputy campaign manager. A condolence book was opened at Balisier House and party leader Dr Keith Rowley, chairman Franklin Khan, general secretary Ashton Ford and deputy political leader Rohan Sinanan were among those who signed it yesterday.
Funeral arrangements were still to be determined. Khan said yesterday Joseph’s funeral would be either Friday or Saturday. He said the family was awaiting relatives to return home from abroad. The party has scheduled a wake for Joseph at Balisier House from 6 pm today.