A fierce advocate for Tobago self-government, but with a soft-heart for people.
That was how former political colleagues – both friends and rivals – remembered Tobago House of Assembly (THA) former chairman, the late Hochoy Charles, who died on Sunday morning.
He was a former government senator and parliamentary secretary (1988-1991) in the NAR government led by Arthur NR Robinson.
Charles was THA chairman in 1996-2001, and assemblyman for Moriah/Parlatuvier. More recently, he founded the Tobago-based party, The Platform of Truth.
The sad news was announced early on Sunday by Tobago Channel Five. "It is with a sad and heavy heart that we announce the transition of former Chief Secretary of the THA Hochoy Charles."
The Prime Minister led a flow of tributes to Charles on Sunday.
Dr Rowley, in a Facebook post, said, "There can be no dispute over the fact that Hochoy Charles, affectionately known as the Heavy Roller, has been a patriotic powerhouse in the leadership of Tobago for decades." The PM said Charles' "advocacy and steadfastness" had benefited all of Tobago.
"Even as he aspired to greater autonomy for Tobago this can in no way diminish what has been accomplished nor can it be superficially exploited by late risers who are yet to travel half his course.
"Tobago has lost a valued son and would celebrate his life as one who contributed to her development."
HEAVY ROLLER
Winston Dookeran, former minister and founder of the COP, recalled Charles from their NAR days as "very dynamic" and "very forthright."
"He was a very kind-hearted person. This is how I remember him. I am sorry and sad he has passed on."
"He will be remembered as the last warrior in support of a new relationship between Tobago and Trinidad, even as this issue simmers on."
Dookeran said Charles proposed very concrete ideas. "He played an important role in the political aspects of the NAR, in trying to get the people of Trinidad to better appreciate the historical uniqueness of Tobago. I think he succeeded to some extent those of us who were involved in issues of constitutional change that Tobago was a unique territory with a very distinct historical background, something that has lost its significance when people talk about Tobago's relationship with Trinidad.
"He was a much more human person than may have come out in the media. He was a very kind person, in small things he did.
"As he was such a towering political figure,people may not have understood that part of the man."
Dr Bishnu Ragoonath, political analyst, told Newsday that Charles as THA leader had taken Tobago through a difficult stage in its development.
"In that period, Mr Charles I think left his mark on Tobago and its development.
"He was known as the Heavy Roller and we know him as getting the job done, regardless of what."
"There have been one or two blemishes and concerns raised during his tenure. We'll always remember Ringbang and Adda."
In the Adda affair, the THA had invested in the US without requisite Government approval. It then spent
