An only son, Evan Arnold Rees was born on December 6, 1912. His parents resided at #92 High Street in Princes Town. Rees was a great believer in justices as well as a deeply religious individual. It was not surprising therefore that he chose a career in law. He was the country's first Ombudsman. After studying, he received appointments as magistrate, crown counsel and then senior magistrate. Rees then left for England to join the overseas Judicial Service. He returned two years later to serve as a high court judge for 16 years. He was Chancellor of the Anglican Diocese and a senior lay-person in the church. He was the father of four. On May 20, 1996 he died at the age of eighty-three.
Adrian Cola Rienzi was the name adopted by Krishna Deonarine. From the early 1920s he began campaigning with spirit and zeal to improve the life of the working class in this country. He was the first President-General of the OWTU. He also became President of the Trade Union Council. In 1938 as a candidate of the Trade Union Movement, he triumphed at General Elections winning the seat for San Fernando in the Legislative Council. Rienzi as "Tribune" or "Protector" had a distinguished career. He was also Mayor of San Fernando from 1939 to 1942. He died on July 21, 1972.
Trinidad and Tobago's national labour hero wanted to see what he termed "a better and a brighter day." Butler was born in 1895 in Grenada. He was a tremendous fighter for human rights and he wanted to educate the workers about their rights. On 19th June 1937, Butler was involved in a major riot at Fyzabad Junction. His dream was to see an independent Trinidad and Tobago, and that came through in 1962. He is remembered for his struggles and was honoured on Independence Day 1976 with the Trinity Cross. Since 1973 Labour Day has been celebrated on 19th June. Butler died at age 80. He is remembered today as a charismatic leader of genuine working class background.
The only Trinidadian to date to have won a Gold Medal at the Olympic Games for our country, this sporting legend was born in San Fernando. This great athlete excelled in the 100 metres track and field event. Crawford began his athletic career around 1971. He participated in the 1972 Munich Olympics, however, a leg injury took him out of competition. In 1976 he was at his peak, and in extremely excellent physical condition. He won the 100 metres finals, giving him the title of the fastest amn in the world. Crawford's victory put us in the spotlight, it was a glorious day in the history of Trinidad and Tobago. A DC-9 BWIA aircraft and the National Stadium were named in tribute to him.
SLINGER FRANCISCO (THE MIGHTY SPARROW)
Christened Slinger Francisco by his parents, this Grenadian born young man moved to Trinidad, and is now known world over as "The Mighty Sparrow." Born in 1935 this famous calypsonian made his singing debut as a primary school child. He made a mahor break through with his composition "Jean and Dinal", and won Calypso King of 1956. Thus he embarked on a successful career of which most calypsonians only dream. The Mighty Sparrow won the Calypso King and Road March titles on numerous occasions. Some of his famous calypsoes include hits such as "Pay as you earn", "Ten to one is murder", "Sandra" and "Both ah dem." A most talented individual, this calypsonian is both mesmerizing and dynamic on stage.
She was born on May 29, 1933 in Port of Spain. In 1982 she obtained a Master's Degree in the Performing Arts (Dance) at the American University, Washington D.C. In 1968 she founded the New Dance Group, Oyakairi. As a lecturer in African and Caribbean culture, she is well known not only in Trinidad but in the Caribbean as well. In the field of dance and the promotion of cultural events her name has been a household one. She received several honours both abroad and at home and among them is the Humming Bird Medal (Gold) in 1980 for her outstanding contribution to cultural development.
Her winning combination of beauty and charm resulted in Penny being chosen the first black woman to hold the much coveted Miss Universe title in 1977. Born 1953 Penny migrated to New York at age 13 and returned at age 23. Her triumph in the Miss Universe contest was hailed by the nation, as it was Trinidad and Tobago's first win at an international beauty contest. After her victory the late Dr. Eric Williams named a D.C. jet in her honour. Penny later married Brian Bowen and became involved in the business of boat building. She also puts her talent to use in the judging and organising of local beauty competitions.
Giselle Jeanne Marie La Ronde was born on November 6, 1963. At age 23 this petite southern beauty who was a contestant at the Miss World competition won the title from 76 other contestants. This historic event took place at the Albert Hall, London, England. She was the first national representative to capture the coveted title and the fourth Caribbean woman to hold the title. The people of Trinidad and Tobago can be justifiably proud of Giselle's beauty which made our country better known internationally. Giselle continued her education and obtained a university degree in public relations. She is also the recipient of a national award - the Chaconia Medal.
Classified as a genius, he was born in 1920 and grew up in Chaguanas. Dr. Capildeo was a world renowned figure. He was a gentleman and a man of amazing vision. He was a keen scholar, a renowned mathematician, a famous physicist, a world acclaimed scientist. He was by far a sighted statesman and a humanitarian who worked with love and sympathy. In 1969 he was awarded the Trinity Cross. He died on 12th May, 1970.
The name for literary excellence is V.S. Naipaul. He was born on 17th August, 1932 in Chaguanas. He is the author of "The Mystic Masseur", "The Suffrage of Elvira", "A House for Mr. Biswas" among other famous titles. An extremely talented writer and recipient of many honours and awards including the Somerset Maugham Award (1961), the Phoenix Trust Award (1962), the Humming Bird Medal (Gold) (1971), the Bennett Award (1980) and the Trinity Cross (1989). He was knighted by the Queen of England in 1990. Naipaul was also a nominee for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Over the years he has gained respect and recognition not only in Trinidad and Tobago but in the entire English speaking world as well.
Perhaps the most extraordinary business man in Trinidad and Tobago was Ram Kirpalani. He was born in India on August 9, 1924. He first came to the country in 1949. With his successful business gimmicks, for instance - "Buy One Get One Free", "Kirpalani Kristmas Kompetition", "Dollar Down, Dollar Per Week" as well as a number of clever business decisions, Ram Kirpalani brought unprecedented prosperity to the firm. This led to its expansion and to the emergence of a number of chain stores. He died on 16th July, 1985.
This dynamic man certainly made his mark in Trinidad politics. He was born on January 12, 1908. Not many possessed the skill and dynamism of a debater of his calibre. Moving from active involvement in San Fernando's politics, Seukeran then graduated to become the President General of the All Trinidad General and Trade Union of Sugar Workers. He died on December 15, 1992. His passing marked the end of a colourful chapter in the political history of Trinidad and Tobago.