Family, friends, and well-wishers gathered at the Curepe Presbyterian Church on Monday to bid farewell to a national icon, veteran broadcaster and cultural visionary, Hansley Hanoomansingh.
Affectionately known as “Hans” by many, he was a pioneering force in both media and culture, with his early years in the industry as an announcer, producer, news analyst, editor and anchor of Trinidad and Tobago Television’s Panorama News. During his illustrious career, he interviewed hundreds, including the likes of Bishop Desmond Tutu and Mother Teresa.
According to his brother Gideon, Hans became a father figure to his younger siblings at just 12 years old, after their father’s passing – a defining responsibility that profoundly shaped the man he would become.
“As the son of Dorcas and Joseph, He’s called you to the garden alone, but when you get there, you will have great company, especially Bab, who left us seven decades ago, placing upon your shoulders great responsibility.”
Mr. Hanoomansingh said his brother went on to build a distinguished career, becoming the youngest parliamentarian in the Commonwealth at the age of 24. He later became a stalwart of broadcasting and, through his consistent work towards Indian cultural upliftment, went on to establish the Divali Nagar – the largest Divali celebration outside of India. In 1990, he received the Hummingbird Gold Medal for his unwavering service to culture and broadcasting in Trinidad and Tobago.
“He was the consummate conduit between his ancestral moorings and ‘Trinbagonian-ness’ and he demonstrated it vociferously many times and in practical ways.”
Several tributes were presented during the service, including from his sons, Kurt and Ravi, his niece, Reverend Roni Beharry, and a moving rendition of “You Raise Me Up” by another niece, Yasha Hanoomansingh.
Hans Hanoomansingh leaves behind an indelible mark, having dedicated his life to the service of his country across many spheres. His golden voice may be silent now, but his legacy continues to speak volumes.