Tribute to Sir Ellis Clarke
On January 7, 2011 our nation bid farewell to one of our greatest national icons, Sir Ellis Clarke, our last Governor General, and who went on to be the first President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. He left behind a legacy of achievements. His dedication and service contributed to the development of our country making him one of the few leaders who understood what it meant to put country before personal ambitions.
Many tributes have been bestowed upon this distinguished national leader. He has been called the “People’s President”, “A man for all seasons”, “The Grandfather of our nation” and was even described by US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton as “a towering figure on the Trinidad and Tobago landscape.”
A review of his professional life cannot be simply captured in a few words and his achievements which helped to shape the history of our Republic must be remembered. To highlight some of the more well-known accomplishments: after practicing Law for many years, in 1954 Ellis Clarke was appointed Solicitor General and then Deputy Colonial Secretary in 1956. In 1961 he was appointed Constitutional Advisor to the Cabinet of the Government and in 1962 when our nation became an independent state he was appointed Ambassador to the United States of America, Canada and Mexico and Permanent Representative to the United Nations. He became Governor General succeeding Sir Solomon Hochoy in 1973.
These positions reflect a man of great national pride and patriotism who worked tirelessly to accomplish his goals, yet at the same time he exemplified humility. In 1972, the man we came to fondly call ‘Sir Ellis’ was awarded a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II but suspended use of the title during the time he served as President. Despite his busy schedule fulfilling his many roles and responsibilities, Sir Ellis knew how to live a full life. He was an avid horse-racing fan, enjoyed festive occasions and always remained devout Catholic.
Soon after Trinidad and Tobago’s Independence in 1962, Sir Ellis was one of the first to propose that this country make the transition towards becoming a Republic. More than a decade after, in 1976 when this transition had been made, Sir Ellis was unanimously appointed President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago by the Presidential Electoral College. He maintained the post of President until 1987 when he was succeeded by Noor Hassanali.
Sir Ellis was one of the main architects of Trinidad and Tobago’s 1962 Independence Constitution incorporating freedom of the press and other constitutional rights. He also made a sterling contribution to this country’s first Constitution as a Republic. Throughout his life he continued to play a pivotal role in the development of our national Constitution. In 1993 President Clarke was one of six experts in the Commonwealth asked to submit reports to Australia‘s Republic Advisory Committee detailing our country’s experience in moving from through the process of gaining independence to becoming a constitutional monarchy to a Republic.
The Chamber is proud to say that Sir Ellis Clarke was our friend and supporter and was a feature speaker at several of our functions and events. His last interaction was when he explained his draft revised constitution to members in special session some two years ago.
The Chamber takes this opportunity to once again extend its deepest sympathy to the family of Sir Ellis Clarke on his passing and wish them peace as they cherish his memory and the legacy that he has left them. On a national level our country owes a debt of gratitude to him for his long and meritorious service in public life and he will be remembered as a true statesman.
