Tuesday, October 9 2012

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DEAD: Mervyn Dymally...

TRINIDAD-BORN American congressman Mervyn M Dymally, whose controversial political career spanned more than four decades and included a stint as California’s only black Lieutenant Governor, died on Sunday following a period of declining health. He was 86.

Dymally, who became a leader in the Los Angeles area’s African American political establishment in the early 1960s and served in both houses of the Legislature and in Congress, died in Los Angeles.

Dymally’s political longevity and ability to return time and again to public office had him winning elections well into what for many would have been their retirement years. His latest comeback, at age 76, back in 2002.

Dymally was born May 12, 1926 in Cedros, to a Muslim father and Roman Catholic mother. He later became an Episcopalian. He left Trinidad at age 19 and became a naturalized American citizen in 1957. Dymally is survived by his wife of 44 years, Alice Gueno Dymally, his son Mark, daughter Lynn and three sisters.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran has extended condolences to the wife and family of Dymally. Dookeran said TT should recognize the significant role played by this distinguished son of the soil.