Renowned Trinidadian poet, journalist Raoul Pantin dies

Port of Spain: Renowned poet, journalist and playwright Raoul Pantin has died, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar confirmed Thursday. He was 71.

"Our nation and the entire media fraternity have suffered a great loss. I extend my heartfelt prayers to Raoul's family and friends at this difficult time of bereavement," Persad-Bissessar said in a statement.

Pantin was among the people held hostage for six days during an abortive 1990 coup, an experience he later described in his book "Days of Wrath."

"From the person I knew, Raoul felt the pain, not only for himself, but for the country at what took place in 1990. As some of his colleagues said, Raoul was never the same after 1990," the prime minister said.

She said Pantin remained committed to "keeping the country informed about important issues, as well as nurturing the young people who want to make a career in journalism."

Pantin was the author of "Journey", a volume of poetry. He also wrote six plays.