IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE LATE GEORGE MAXWELL RICHARDS, TC, CM, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Throughout our lives we encounter those extraordinary personalities whose vigour and passion for excellence inspire us to surpass our own expectations, as individuals and as a country.

The Late George Maxwell Richards, TC, CM, was indeed an extraordinary citizen of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and today the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts remembers his stellar service to the nation.

Richards, a son of San Fernando, demonstrated academic prowess from an early age, sweeping scholarships to pursue his secondary and tertiary studies in Chemical Engineering. He secured a PhD in his discipline and devoted much of his career to education, ascending to the respective posts of Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of the West Indies; Pro-Vice Chancellor; Deputy Principal and Principal of the Institution.

Excellence was an evident and natural facet of George Maxwell Richards, who willingly heeded the call to serve as the fourth President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago from 2003 to 2013.

His passion for the arts equaled his academic ambitions. Richards embraced the colours and energy of our Carnival, whose signature joyful expression became a yearly memory of these celebrations.  His presence will undoubtedly be missed this year.

The Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts extends condolences to his wife, Dr. Jean Ramjohn Richards and children Maxine and Mark and will remember this stalwart as a resolute patriot whose life exemplified the best attributes of mankind.