Marlene McDonald
The Honourable Marlene McDonald | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Marlene McDonald in 2009 | |
| Member of Parliament for Port of Spain South | |
| In office 2007–2020 | |
| Preceded by | Eric A. Williams |
| Succeeded by | Keith Scotland |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1959 |
| Died | 8 December 2023 (aged 64) |
| Political party | People's National Movement |
| Alma mater | University of the West Indies |
Marlene McDonald (1959 – 8 December 2023) was a Trinidad and Tobago politician from the People's National Movement (PNM).[1]
Early life
[edit]She attended Nelson Street Girls' RC Primary School and St François Girls' College.[2] She later studied law at the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill.[2]
Career
[edit]McDonald was first elected to the House of Representatives as member for Port of Spain South in the 2007 Trinidad and Tobago general election. She was appointed Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs.[3] When her party was returned to Opposition in 2010, she took the parliamentary role of opposition Chief Whip.[4] When the party returned to power in 2015, McDonald was made housing minister.[5] She held the position she held until March 2016.[6]
In March 2018, the Prime Minister appointed McDonald a minister in the Ministry of Public Administration.[7] In 2019, McDonald was charged with six counts of money laundering, conspiracy to defraud and misbehaviour in public office.[8] The charges were later dropped.[9]
She retired at the 2020 Trinidad and Tobago general election.
Death
[edit]McDonald died on 8 December 2023, at St Clair Medical Centre in Port of Spain, at the age of 64.[2]
Her funeral was held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Port of Spain.[10] She was buried at the Western Cemetery in St James.[11]
References
[edit]- ^ Tack, Clint Chan (2023-12-08). "[UPDATED] Politicians mourn loss of PNM stalwart: MARLENE MCDONALD DIES AT 65". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
- ^ a b c Souza, Janelle De (2023-12-10). "Friends, family pay tribute: McDonald had the right heart". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
- ^ Newsday (2023-12-10). "McDonald's colourful life". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
- ^ Douglas, Sean (2023-12-16). "Praise for former MP's dedication, service - MARLENE TOOK CARE OF HER PEOPLE". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
- ^ "Former Government Minister Marlene McDonald has died". www.guardian.co.tt. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
- ^ "FORMER PNM MINISTER MARLENE MCDONALD HAS DIED". Trinidad Express Newspapers. 2023-12-08. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
- ^ "Marlene is back! PM appoints McDonald in Ministry of Public Admin and Communications". Wired868. 2018-03-01. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
- ^ Loutoo, Jada (2022-09-02). "DPP sends Marlene McDonald's case straight to high court". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
- ^ Loutoo, Jada (2022-03-31). "DPP drops misbehaviour charge against ex-minister Marlene McDonald". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
- ^ "Marlene McDonald remembered as a 'true soldier'". www.guardian.co.tt. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
- ^ "A woman of the people". Trinidad Express Newspapers. 2023-12-16. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
- 1959 births
- 2023 deaths
- Trinidad and Tobago Roman Catholics
- People's National Movement politicians
- University of the West Indies alumni
- Members of the House of Representatives (Trinidad and Tobago)
- Women government ministers of Trinidad and Tobago
- 20th-century Trinidad and Tobago lawyers
- Trinidad and Tobago women lawyers