Helen Bhagwansingh who was reported to be Trinidad and Tobago’s richest person, died in Trinidad last Sunday after ailing for some time.

She was 83.

She and her husband, Hubert, built Bhagwansingh’s Hardware and Steel Industries Ltd with its first location in Port of Spain.

The business grew with the acquisition of several other companies.

Among them were Dansteel Ltd, Rainbow Construction Ltd and Central Steel Ltd.

Hubert Bhagwansingh died in 2019.

In 2011, Helen Bhagwansingh received the Order of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT) for community service.

Also in 2011, The University of the West Indies conferred upon her the title of Doctor of Law, honoris causa.

A year earlier, she was inducted into the Business Hall of Fame by the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

In paying tribute to Bhagwansingh, in a Facebook post, Keith Rowley.

prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, said she was “ a strong woman who made a name for herself as a business magnate holding her own and even taking the lead in very many areas which hitherto were the preserve of men.

“She was an inspiration to many and a philanthropist who believed in her country.

“On behalf of my family and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and associates of a great lady who made us proud when we needed a heroine.”