Ellis Clarke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Ellis Clarke
TC GCMG
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| 1st President of Trinidad and Tobago | |
| In office 1 August 1976 – 19 March 1987 |
|
| Prime Minister | |
| Preceded by | Elizabeth II as Queen of Trinidad and Tobago |
| Succeeded by | Noor Hassanali |
| 2nd Governor-General of Trinidad and Tobago | |
| In office 15 September 1972 – 1 August 1976 |
|
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Eric Williams |
| Preceded by | Solomon Hochoy |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 28 December 1917 Belmont, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago |
| Died | 30 December 2010 (aged 93) Maraval, Trinidad and Tobago |
| Nationality | Trinidadian |
| Spouse |
Ermyntrude Hagley
(m. 1952; died 2002) |
| Alma mater | University College London |
Sir Ellis Emmanuel Innocent Clarke (28 December 1917 – 30 December 2010) was a very important person in the history of Trinidad and Tobago. He was the first ever President of Trinidad and Tobago, serving from 1976 to 1987. Before that, he was the country's second and last Governor-General. Sir Ellis also played a key role in writing Trinidad and Tobago's first constitution when it became independent in 1962.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Ellis Clarke was born in Belmont, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. He went to Saint Mary's College. In 1938, he won a special scholarship for his excellent math skills.
After high school, Ellis Clarke studied at University College London in England. He earned a law degree there. He then became a lawyer at Gray's Inn, a famous legal society in London. In 1941, he returned to Port of Spain and started his own law practice.
Political Career Highlights
Sir Ellis Clarke had a long and successful career in public service. He held many important positions in the government of Trinidad and Tobago.
Early Government Roles
- Solicitor-General: From 1954 to 1956, he was the Solicitor-General. This role involves advising the government on legal matters.
- Deputy Colonial Secretary: He served in this position from 1956 to 1957.
- Attorney General: From 1957 to 1962, he was the Attorney General. This is the chief legal advisor to the government.
After Independence
After Trinidad and Tobago gained its independence in 1962, Sir Ellis Clarke became an Ambassador. He represented his country in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He also served as the Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Governor-General and President
In 1972, Sir Ellis Clarke became the Governor General of Trinidad and Tobago. This role represented the British monarch in the country.
When Trinidad and Tobago became a Republic in 1976, the role of Governor-General was replaced by the President. Sir Ellis Clarke was chosen by all members of Parliament to be the country's first President. He was re-elected for a second term and finished his time as President in 1987. He decided not to seek a third term due to disagreements with the new government. Noor Hassanali became the next President.
Awards and Family Life
Sir Ellis Clarke received several high honors during his lifetime. In 1960, Queen Elizabeth II made him a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George. In 1972, he was given a knighthood as a Knight Grand Cross of the same order. This allowed him to use the title Sir.
Even though he stopped using the title Sir when Trinidad and Tobago became a republic, he started using it again after he retired from being President. People often called him "Former President, Sir Ellis Clarke."
Sir Ellis was married to Lady Ermyntrude Clarke for nearly 50 years. She passed away in 2002. They had three children: Peter Ellis Clarke, Margaret-Ann, and Richard. Sadly, Richard died when he was a young child.
In 1993, Sir Ellis Clarke was one of only six experts from around the world asked to share his country's experience. He explained how Trinidad and Tobago changed from having a queen as head of state to becoming a republic with its own president.
Later Years and Passing
On November 24, 2010, Sir Ellis Clarke suffered a serious stroke. He passed away on December 30, 2010, just two days after his 93rd birthday.
His funeral was held on January 7, 2011. There was a private service for his family and close friends. After that, a state funeral was held for him. Many important people attended, including the President, Prime Minister, and Chief Justice. Sir Ellis's coffin, covered with the Trinidad and Tobago flag, was carried in a procession through Port of Spain. He was buried in the Clarke family plot at Lapeyrouse Cemetery.
See also
In Spanish: Ellis Clarke para niños
