THE Senate mourned the deaths of former PNM senator Garvin Simonette and former UNC senator Dr Daphne Phillips when it sat on December 5. Simonette and Phillips died earlier this month.

In expressing condolences on Simonette's death, Leader of Government Business Darrell Allahar recalled Simonette was a gentleman and a scholar during his career in public life. He said evidence of this was clear in his contributions in the Senate from 2018-2019.

Opposition Senator Foster Cummings said Simonette came from a family of strong activists and social conscience. He added it was no surprised that Simonette entered politics and made an invaluable contribution there. "We are grateful for his contribution to our party and to our country."