A Knowledgeable historian, a veteran journalist, a government adviser, a famous social activist, a cultural pioneer, a well-known lecturer. All of those titles can be awarded to one person called Mr. Louis B. Homer.

Even he was an 80-year old man, Mr. Homer was still as energetic and diligent as some excellent young men: he had been doing his historical research, writing articles for the Express, involving in multiple projects, attending big cultural events, giving lectures to students.

In my eyes, Mr. Homer was an icon of Trinidad and Tobago. Although he wasn't a high-ranking official or a rich and powerful person, he earned great respect from cross-section of society and gained profound sentiments of friendship from all the circles of media, business, education, culture, government, diplomatic corps, etc.

Apart from his valuable contribution and various interests, Mr. Homer held close to his heart the history and education of the culture that emanated from China. In the past years, Mr. Homer shared his knowledge of the Chinese arrival in Trinidad and Tobago over 200 years ago, co-hosted "TT Through the Chinese Eyes" photographic exhibition, reported on visiting Chinese artistic troupes. Therefore, a natural and friendly relationship was developed between Mr. Homer and the Chinese Embassy, and what he did definitely promoted cultural exchanges between China and Trinidad and Tobago as well as strengthened the traditional friendship between the two peoples.

Mr. Homer's sudden death is being mourned by so many people, here the Chinese Embassy would like to join them in expressing our deepest sympathies on the passing of the gem of Trinidad and Tobago. At the same time, We offer our condolences to his wife Evelyn and children Nellein, Larrie and Michael and thank them for sharing him with us as well as the various activities in which he was involved.

(Note: This article by Ambassador Huang was published in Express on Aug 27,2013)