A pioneer, public servant and patriot who came quietly and worked effortlessly to mold and enrich T&T’s national fabric.
This was how former Culture Minister and Deputy Political Leader, People’s National Movement, Joan Yuille-Williams described “Mrs. Best Village” Joyce Wong Sang.
Referring to her as a woman of action, Yuille-Williams said this country’s first Prime Minister Dr Eric Williams and Wong Sang’s brother-in-law had a vision for T&T, and she was charged with the responsibility of ensuring this came to life.
Exceeding expectations, Yuille-Williams said Wong Sang was able to achieve and maintain the balance needed to ensure that community and citizen development was achieved.
Delivering a glowing tribute to Wong Sang during the funeral service at St Theresa’s RC Church, in Woodbrook yesterday, Yuille-Williams said Wong Sang more than earned her spot as one of the honourees during the PNM’s 60th anniversary celebrations last year.
She said Wong Sang had “made pathways into every corner in T&T, every community and every village.” Yuille-Williams said the national icon would always be remembered for her passion and commitment to uncover the best in everyone she met.
The former minister said Wong Sang was blessed with authority, influence and responsibility which she never let go to her head. Yuille-Williams spoke highly of her ability to temper protocol and etiquette with a deft touch.
Wong Sang’s vision had always been to enrich communities and empower people to stand tall and be proud of their heritage, Yuille-Williams said, as she urged those present to let her lessons live on in the legacy she left her family and country.
Wong Sang’s son, Christopher, provided a snapshot into his mother’s early and humble beginnings as the daughter of Chinese immigrants who had sought a better life in the West Indies. He said her family was well-known for assisting other families to emigrate and settle here.
He said his mother was proud of her Chinese roots and culture and used the success of the Best Village experience to showcase this country’s people and their talents far and wide.
Having served on many State boards during her 23-year-career in the public service, Christopher said his mother loved and believed in this country until her death. Wong Sang, 85, passed away on January 14.
She was a mother of two and her demise was said to be due to medical complications owing to age.