92-year-old Trinidad icon beaten unconscious in Bequia

Thur April 17, 2014

Trinidad national honouree and former businessman Robert “Bobby” Montano was beaten and left unconscious during a robbery attempt in a hotel room in Bequia, where he was visiting with his son last week.{{more}}

The 92-year-old Humming Bird gold medallist is now a patient at the St Clair Medical Centre, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, in stable condition.

This was confirmed to the Sunday Express Friday by nephew and former Senate president Danny Montano, who is contesting the seat of chairman of the People’s National Movement (PNM) in the party’s May 18 internal elections.

He is on the slate of Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, who is challenging the party’s political leader and Leader of the Opposition Dr Keith Rowley for the leadership of the party.

Montano described the attack as “tragic” but said his uncle, though badly beaten and rendered unconscious, was not in a critical condition. 

According to Montano, a Bequia teenager is accused of breaking into his uncle’s hotel room and striking him in the face with a piece of wood.

“Uncle Bobby tried to defend himself but he was also struck on the head and suffered internal bleeding. It’s serious but not critical I was told,” Montano said. “Fortunately for him, he was with his son Ronald, a former BWIA pilot who owns his own plane and who flew him back home for treatment.”

Robert Montano was among 60 nationals to be honoured in May last year by the People’s Partnership government during its National Icons ceremony for dedication to service in Trinidad and Tobago.

In 1975 he was bestowed the Humming Bird medal (gold) for his contribution to the economic and cultural development of the nation. His achievements include the launch of the Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation (PLIPDECO) which paved the way for the Point Lisas Industrial Estate. 

 He turns 93 in September.

Meanwhile, Recollson Quashie, 17, labourer of Cemetery Hill, Bequia, was arrested and charged with aggravated burglary and attempted murder. The incident occurred around 9:15 p.m., Tues­day, April 8 and 2 a.m. Wenesday, April 9. at Ginger Bread Apartments, Bequia.

 (Trinidad Sunday Express)