Tobago has lost its last surviving war veteran, 99-year-old Eman Legall.
The Les Coteaux resident served during World War II and was a usual face at the Tobago House of Assembly’s Remembrance Day events.
On Monday, word of his passing came via the Tobago branch of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League.
Speaking with TTT News following an event on Monday, THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine said Mr. Legall lived a fulfilling life, adding that he is grateful for men like him who were willing to fight on behalf of Trinidad and Tobago.
“We were all hopeful that he will make it to 100. We looked forward every year when we do the Wreath Laying Ceremony to see him at James Park. This year we won’t see him, unfortunately, but he lived a fruitful, a productive life, and he gave, he contributed to world peace. Not many people can say they contributed to world peace in that regard. It’s ironic that he is passing when yet another war is happening in our world.”
The Chief Secretary also said the Tobago House of Assembly will provide support to the Legall family during this difficult time.
“I reached out to some relatives this morning, and I asked them to indicate how we may be of assistance to them during this time, but certainly he would be missed. His contributions have been recognised, and we will continue to recognise them. The League that is responsible for veterans and their care – certainly I know they will play a pivotal role in his last rites and burial, and we certainly are saddened by this departure, but we acknowledge this is 99 years well lived.”
TTT News also spoke with Assemblyman for Bethesda/Les Coteaux, Zorisha Hackett, who reflected on the moments she shared with her constituent, including when she led the initiative to rename his street in his honour. She said while Mr. Legall will be deeply missed, his legacy will continue to impact the people of Tobago.
“All of his birthday celebrations, I would have been very instrumental with the family in honouring him as a war veteran here in Tobago, and so I know the community in Les Coteaux is mourning. The family took very good care of Mr. Legall, and so we wish condolences to the family. Les Coteaux is going to honour him. We know we are going to have a major celebration for him because of the impact he made in the community and the impact the Legall family has also made.”
In an interview with TTT News in 2025, Mr. Legall shared that he decided to join the military in 1942, a decision he made without his family’s knowledge. He was sent to Guyana. However, after the war ended in 1945, he returned home and retired from the military in 1948.