TRIBUTES have been pouring in from the local expatriate community for whom the late Premier was regarded as a pillar of support.
Each of them remembered HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa as a strong and visionary leader.
“Today is a black day for Bahrain as it had witnessed the loss of one its great sons,” said Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam President P V Radhakrishna Pillai.
“A champion of modernisation, he was loved and adored by citizens and residents alike for his genuine concerns towards people living in Bahrain and he will be missed by us – especially the BKS.”
The loss has been felt across the whole Indian expatriate community which numbers almost 400,000 in the kingdom.
“He always appreciated the hardworking nature of Indians residing in Bahrain and he will be terribly missed by everyone,” said Indian Community Relief Fund chairman Aruldas Thomas.
The Indian Club president Stalin Joseph had a message for his saddened members. “Such a great person that departs from this earth never truly leaves us, as he will remain alive in our hearts and minds.”
Samskruti Bahrain president Praveen Nair remembered the ruler as one who ‘embraced citizens and residents alike’. “His Royal Highness was a leader who made us all feel at home in Bahrain,” he said.
Tolerance and support for the business community were also echoed across the communities.
“As an expatriate businessman born in Bahrain we have seen the transformation under the wise leadership of HRH Prime Minister,” said Thattai Hindu Merchants Community president Bob Thaker.
“He particularly encouraged merchants and had tremendous respect for the Bhatia community. His policies of tolerance towards all religions is the bedrock of Bahrain’s policy of openness and religious harmony.”
Mata Amritanandamayi Seva Samiti Bahrain co-ordinator Sudhir Thirunileth added that the leader would be ‘terribly missed’ by all.
The feeling was similar in the Filipino community. The Filipino Club president Ric Advincula said the late Premier would always be remembered as a ‘close friend’ to those who had made Bahrain their home and place of work.
The British Club chairman Chris Woodrow expressed condolences to the Royal Family as did the Dilmun Club’s general manager Stephen Chartres and the executive committee and management of the Bahrain Rugby Football Club.
The Bangladesh Cultural and Social Society general secretary Asif Ahammed reflected its gratitude ‘for the service and decisions he undertook towards the betterment of the country in his lifetime’.
Pakistan Club president and community leader Rehan Ahmed remembered the late Premier as ‘an internationally-respected statesman and ardent supporter of peace across the globe’.
Among the others who offered condolences were the Migrant Workers’ Protection Society, Nepali Club, American Women’s Association, Royal Life Saving Bahrain, Kerala Catholic Association and the Syro Malabar Society.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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