Trinidad and Tobago was well served by Indo-Caribbean Justice Amrika Tiwary

It was with sadness I read of the passing of Ret’d Justice Amrika Tiwary Reddy. She strived to eradicate injustice, prejudice, hate, and racial inequality as an educator, lawyer, activist, and a justice. She was an extraordinary, understanding woman, a model of a graceful presence. And she carried herself with dignity and pride. She set an example for all of T&T and of humanity. The country was well served by the steady hand and intellect of this educator, lawyer, human rights champion, feminist, and judge. She made a difference, not just in the lives of women, but in all lives. She lived a great life and excelled in every pursuit. She was brave, deliberative, and thoughtful as a judge. Like the rest of the society, I mourn the loss of this outstanding woman and jurist.

I read about Amrika Tiwary and was very fortunate to meet her in the 1980s through her brother Sais Tiwari whose death preceded her. Sais stood out as TT National Alliance (1981) activist and later among UNC (Club 88) founders in 1988 and a committed worker. I don’t recall seeing much tribute on him, but Trevor Sudama also spoke highly of him. I met Sais through Basdeo Panday and Trevor Sudama and other activists at public meetings.

Sais and family started a weekly newspaper called ‘The Tribune’ to which I was a regular contributor, reporting on diaspora events in New York and on Guyana. The newspaper’s office was downstairs of the family’s home. And it was through the newspaper that I met Amrika and other family members – the mother, another sister, and a brother. Amrika was a lawyer when we met at the family’s home at Croissee, San Juan. On several visits at Sais’s invitation and on showing up impromptu, I was warmly welcomed and entertained with tea and snacks and even meals. I was also there for a few prayers including at the shraad of the mother; Sais head was clean shaven with a churkee. I got to engage with Amrika who I had read about in the daily papers (and in Sandesh newspaper) for her activism on women and Hindu issues. I always cherish my visits at the Tiwari family’s home decades ago and encounters with Amrika-ji. I was in awe of her intellectual prowess.

It was an honor to meet her. She was a woman of poise, beauty, class, dignity, radiance, and brilliance. She was warm and friendly, witty and charming. She exuded confidence in herself. In conversations, she related with the people of Guyana who were struggling for democracy and equality in their homeland. She was kind and helpful to Guyanese who had started coming to Trinidad in search of jobs and to engage in huckstering trade when basic goods were scarce in their homeland.

Amrika was appointed a judge during Basdeo Panday’s tenure I encountered her at various receptions held by the state, SDMS, NCIC, and other NGOs. The last time I saw Amrika a few years ago was at some state or SDMS function with a younger lawyer sister, and she looked ageless. She remembered me fondly. She was delighted to meet me and praised my polling and commentaries on the politics. She urged me to speak with politicians, UNC ones in particular, to do the right thing for the benefit of their supporters. She scoffed at leaders who sought to hold on to leadership despite being repeatedly rejected standing in the way of change that would benefit their people.

Judges could not give their views publicly. When we met at social events, she quietly spoke her mind in confidence. She was not pleased with the leadership of the UNC in the latter period of Panday’s and under present leadership. She supported leadership change in January 2010. She was not pleased with governance during between 2010 and 2015. And she did not feel UNC could return to office in present form.

She assumed I had influence on politicians; I have none. Politicians, UNC ones in particular, attacked me whenever I penned hard truths. UNC not returning to government under present conditions! Judge Amrika could not say it but she was in agreement and said so whenever we met in passing on rare occasions at public events.

From a brilliant Common Entrance and high school student, being a principal and off to college, to being a lawyer, and becoming a judge moving up the ranks in the Judiciary, Amrika Tiwari was a trailblazer for women. Along the path laid for her, there were many personal sacrifices for which the organizations she served would have been grateful. Amrika worked tirelessly for the upliftment of women and she devoted much time on Hindu affairs. She represented several clients (organizations) for free. During her years of community endeavors and career path, she was collegial. Amrika was a role model for other females.

The country ought to be grateful for her life and her work. It is hoped she will inspire generations to come. Thank you Amrika Tiwary ji for all you were and all you did and for your pioneering spirit and activities. You have left an immense legacy through your voice, advocacy, tenacity, and leadership. You have touched so many young girls, many of whom have taken roles the legal system.

Amrika will be deeply missed, but the path she cleared for females and for the country in general will live on.