Sir Solomon Hochoy

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Sir Solomon Hochoy was born on 20 April 1905 in Jamaica, and arrived in Trinidad at the age of 2. He grew up in the village of Blanchisseuse and attended St. Mary's College from 1917 to 1922.

In 1927 he embarked on a long and distinguished career in the Civil Service. He rose through the ranks, from humble beginnings as a junior tally clerk in the Harbour Master's Office, to become Labour Commissioner in 1949, and was awarded the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) in 1952. In 1954 he became Deputy Colonial Secretary and after acting in the position of Colonial Secretary the following year, was confirmed in that position in 1956. He was the first local to be appointed to such a post - a position he held until 1962.

In 1959 he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. Upon the attainment of Independence in 1962, he was appointed as Governor-General, a post he held until 1972.

He was bestowed with several honours - the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and Stl.George (K.C.M.G.), the Knight of the Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (G.C.V.O.), and Officer of the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.). Sir Solomon was among the first to be conferred the Order of Trinity in 1969 - the inception year of the Order of the Trinity. He died on 15 November 1983.