Marlene McDonald

Contents

Marlene McDonald (1959 – 8 December 2023) was a Trinidad and Tobago politician from the People's National Movement (PNM).[1]

Early life

McDonald 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

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 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

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

  1. 1.Tack, Clint Chan (8 December 2023). "[UPDATED] Politicians mourn loss of PNM stalwart: MARLENE MCDONALD DIES AT 65". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Archived from the original on 5 March 2024. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  2. 2.[2.2][2.3]Souza, Janelle De (10 December 2023). "Friends, family pay tribute: McDonald had the right heart". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Archived from the original on 18 December 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  3. 3.Newsday (10 December 2023). "McDonald's colourful life". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  4. 4.Douglas, Sean (16 December 2023). "Praise for former MP's dedication, service - MARLENE TOOK CARE OF HER PEOPLE". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Archived from the original on 7 June 2025. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  5. 5."Former Government Minister Marlene McDonald has died". www.guardian.co.tt. Archived from the original on 19 July 2024. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  6. 6."FORMER PNM MINISTER MARLENE MCDONALD HAS DIED". Trinidad Express Newspapers. 8 December 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  7. 7."Marlene is back! PM appoints McDonald in Ministry of Public Admin and Communications". Wired868. 1 March 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  8. 8.Loutoo, Jada (2 September 2022). "DPP sends Marlene McDonald's case straight to high court". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Archived from the original on 2 September 2022. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  9. 9.Loutoo, Jada (31 March 2022). "DPP drops misbehaviour charge against ex-minister Marlene McDonald". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Archived from the original on 4 June 2022. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  10. 10."Marlene McDonald remembered as a 'true soldier'". www.guardian.co.tt. Archived from the original on 15 December 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  11. 11."A woman of the people". Trinidad Express Newspapers. 16 December 2023. Archived from the original on 16 December 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2025.