The United National Congress is today paying tribute to one of its earliest pillars: former Government Minister Dr. Daphne Phillips-Gaskin, who passed away early Wednesday at the age of 82.
Dr. Phillips-Gaskin was widely regarded as a dedicated public servant, an academic, and a long-standing advocate for community development, women’s empowerment, and national cultural advancement.
She served in the Basdeo Panday administration from 1995 to 2001, holding several ministerial portfolios, including Minister of Community Development; Culture and Women’s Affairs; Minister of Culture and Gender Affairs; and Minister in the Ministry of Community Empowerment, Sport and Consumer Affairs.
During that period, she also sat as a Government Senator.
She later returned to the Parliament in 2008 as an Opposition Senator for the UNC.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who served with Dr. Phillips-Gaskin in Cabinet, issued a statement today remembering her as a stalwart of the party.
In 2024, the UNC honoured Dr. Phillips-Gaskin with a Long-Service Award for her decades of contribution to both the organisation and national development.
The National Executive, Parliamentary Arm, and members of the United National Congress are mourning what they describe as a profound loss.
They say Dr. Phillips-Gaskin leaves behind a legacy of integrity, scholarship, and a lifelong commitment to public service.