Noor Hassanali

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More about His Excellency
Noor Hassanali

Biographical Summary

Former President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Noor Hassanali was born on 13th August 1918, the sixth in a Muslim family of seven.

He acquired his secondary school education at Naparima College, and upon receiving his Higher School Certificate, he taught at his alma mater from 1938 to 1943. Between 1943 and 1947 he attended the University of Toronto, where he was a member of the Canadian Officers Training Corps in Army Service.

He was called to the English Bar as a member of Gray's Inns of Court in June 1948, and was admitted to practice in Trinidad and Tobago in August 1948. He then entered into private practice as a barrister-at-law. In 1953 he was appointed as a magistrate (West Districts) in Victoria, Tobago, St. Patrick, Caroni and St. George, and in 1960 he was made senior magistrate. In addition, in 1960, he was made Senior Crown Counsel in the Attornery General's Chambers. In 1965 he was appointed Assistant Solicitor General, while in 1966, he was made a judge in the High Court of Trinidad and Tobago. In 1978, he was appointed Justice of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Trinidad and Tobago - a post he held until he retired.

Mr. Hassanali was also the Master of the Moots at the Hugh Wooding Law School from 1985 to 1987. He served on a number of statutory boards, including the Judicial and Legal Service Commission 1985-1987, and the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Commissions Board 1985-1987. Justice Hassanali was elected President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on 19th March 1987, and as such became the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. He served two terms.

Mr. Hassanali was the recipient of several honours: Bronze "T" Athletic Award of the University of Toronto, 1947; Certificate of Honour from San Fernando Borough Council for contribution to football at Skinner Park; Honorary Bencher, Gray's Inn, Inns of Court; Council of Legal Education, London; Hon. Causa LL.D. University of the West Indies, 1989; Member, Chancellor's Council, Victoria College, University of Toronto, 1989-1991; Hon. Causa LL.D. University of Toronto, 1990; Trinity Cross (T.C.)