George Maxwell Richards facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Maxwell Richards
TC CM
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George Maxwell Richards in 2010
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| 4th President of Trinidad and Tobago | |
| In office 17 March 2003 – 18 March 2013 |
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| Prime Minister | |
| Preceded by | Arthur Robinson |
| Succeeded by | Anthony Carmona |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
George Maxwell Richards
1 December 1931 San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago |
| Died | 8 January 2018 (aged 86) Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago |
| Cause of death | Heart failure |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse | Jean Ramjohn |
| Alma mater |
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| Occupation | Politician |
HE George Maxwell Richards TC CM (born December 1, 1931 – died January 8, 2018) was an important leader from Trinidad and Tobago. He served as the fourth President of Trinidad and Tobago from 2003 to 2013. He was the first President in the Anglophone Caribbean (English-speaking Caribbean) to have Amerindian heritage.
Before becoming president, Richards was a chemical engineer. He also led the University of the West Indies' St. Augustine campus in Trinidad. He was sworn in as president on March 17, 2003, for a five-year term.
Contents
George Maxwell Richards: A Leader for Trinidad and Tobago
Early Life and School Days
George Maxwell Richards was born in 1931 in San Fernando, South Trinidad. He was one of five children in his family. His family had Amerindian and Chinese roots. His father was a lawyer, and his mother was a teacher and homemaker.
He went to primary school in San Fernando. Later, he won a special scholarship to attend Queen's Royal College in Port of Spain. Before going to university, he worked for a company called United British Oilfields of Trinidad. They even gave him a scholarship to study chemical engineering.
From Engineer to University Principal
Richards studied at the University of Manchester and the University of Cambridge. He earned a Bachelor's, Master's, and a PhD degree in chemical engineering. After his studies, he worked for Shell Trinidad Ltd. from 1957 to 1965.
In 1965, he joined the University of the West Indies. He became a Professor of Chemical Engineering in 1970. He later served as the Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Principal. From 1985 to 1996, he was the Principal of the St. Augustine Campus. During this time, the university faced money problems, but Richards worked hard to keep it running well. He retired in 1996 but continued to teach as a professor.
Becoming President
The role of president in Trinidad and Tobago is mostly ceremonial. This means the president performs official duties but doesn't usually make laws. George Maxwell Richards became president on March 17, 2003. He was the first president who was not a lawyer.
He was known for speaking out against crime in Trinidad and Tobago. He also loved being involved in Carnival celebrations.
His Time as President
Richards was re-elected for a second five-year term in 2008. He was the only person running for the position.
In 2009, he faced some challenges regarding the appointment of the Trinidad and Tobago Integrity Commission. The members he appointed resigned shortly after. Richards explained his actions to the nation and decided to stay in office. He continued to serve as president until 2013.
Beyond the Presidency
Besides his work at the university and as president, Richards was involved in many other organizations. He served on the boards of companies like the Trinidad Publishing Company and the National Gas Company. He also helped lead service groups such as the National Training Board.
Family Life and Legacy
George Maxwell Richards was married to Jean Ramjohn. She was a medical doctor. They had two children: a son named Mark, who is also a doctor, and a daughter named Maxine, who is a businesswoman.
Richards passed away on January 8, 2018, at the age of 86. He died from heart failure in Port of Spain. His family scattered his ashes over the Gulf of Paria, saying their final goodbyes to a beloved family member and a respected national leader.
Awards and Recognition
George Maxwell Richards received several important awards for his contributions to Trinidad and Tobago:
- In 1977, he received the Chaconia Medal, Gold. This award recognized his service to the country.
- In 2007, he received an Honorary Doctorate from Heriot-Watt University.
See also
In Spanish: George Maxwell Richards para niños
