Trinidad and Tobago’s National Gas Company President and cultural visionary Mark Loquan has died. He passed away on Sunday, after being diagnosed with brain cancer in February 2024. He was 65.
President Christine Carla Kangaloo led tributes with a heartfelt statement from her office, calling Loquan “a true patriot” whose “selfless dedication to the development of our nation’s energy sector and culture, particularly in the realm of steelpan, has left an indelible mark on our country.”
“Awarded our nation’s highest honour, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT), in 2024 for his remarkable contributions,” the President added, “May his legacy continue to inspire, and may his loved ones find strength during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Mark Loquan. Your work and spirit will forever resonate within the heart of our nation.”
A chemical engineer by profession, Loquan served as president of the NGC from 2016, leading the state energy company through several transformative years in the natural gas industry. In addition to his professional achievements, Loquan was a music composer and songwriter, well known for his contributions to the steelpan community and his passion for using music as a tool for national identity.
Energy Minister and Prime Minister Stuart Young joined in mourning his loss. In a tribute shared via social media, Young reflected on their close working relationship: “He was a man that I respected and genuinely enjoyed working with. Mark and I worked very closely together on many, many transactions in the gas sector from 2017 until he fell ill in February of 2024. We brainstormed together and we fought many battles together to secure a better future for Trinidad and Tobago.”
Young praised Loquan’s humility and commitment: “He was a talented and humble man… Whether it was composing music for the pan, strategising the future of our gas industry or negotiating for better terms and conditions for Trinidad and Tobago, Mark did it with a level of passion and excellence.”
Loquan was one of three recipients of the ORTT in 2024, and he attended the award ceremony in a wheelchair, honoured for his national service in both energy and steelpan innovation.
Further details on funeral arrangements are expected to be released by his family in the coming days.
