Henry Alcazar facts for kids

Sir Henry Albert Alcazar (born September 30, 1860, died July 13, 1930) was an important politician from Trinidad and Tobago. He was a lawyer, also known as a KC, which is a special title for experienced lawyers.

Sir Henry served as the mayor of Port of Spain, the capital city. He was also a member of the Legislative Council of Trinidad and Tobago, a group that helped make laws. He worked hard to change the government so that more people could vote for their leaders. In 1918, he was given the special title of "Sir" because of his important work.

Early Life and Education

Henry Alcazar was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad. His family was well-known and had a mixed heritage. He went to St. Mary's College in Port of Spain.

Later, he studied at the University of London in England. In 1882, he became a lawyer at Gray's Inn in London. He then returned to Trinidad and Tobago to start his career.

Alcazar's Law Career

Sir Henry Alcazar worked as a lawyer from 1882 until he passed away in 1930. In 1897, when he was 37, he received the special title of Queen's Counsel. This title changed to King's Counsel in 1901.

In the early 1900s, he had one of the biggest law practices in Trinidad. He worked for large companies and also helped ordinary people. For example, he successfully defended people who were accused after the 1903 Water Riots.

Political Journey

Sir Henry Alcazar was a key figure in Trinidad and Tobago's politics. He served on the Port of Spain Borough Council and the Legislative Council. He was a leader in the Reform Movement, which pushed for elected members in the Legislative Council.

Mayor of Port of Spain

Alcazar was elected to the Port of Spain Borough Council. He served as mayor twice:

• From 1892 to 1894
• From 1896 to 1898

In 1898, the government changed the council. Instead of elected members, the Governor chose who would be on the council.

Serving on the Legislative Council

In 1894, Alcazar was chosen to be an "unofficial member" of the Legislative Council. This meant he was a private citizen, not a government employee. He was the second non-white person to join the council.

He resigned in 1898 to protest the changes to the Port of Spain Borough Council. However, he was reappointed in 1903 and stayed on the council until his death in 1930.

Fighting for Local Voices

As a member of the Legislative Council, Alcazar wanted local people to have more say in how the colony was run. He disagreed with the "crown colony" system, where Britain had most of the control.

He strongly believed that people should be able to elect their representatives to the Legislative Council. He wanted Trinidad and Tobago to remain part of the British Empire, but with more self-governance, like Canada or Australia.

The 1903 Water Riots

In March 1903, the Legislative Council discussed new water taxes. Alcazar opposed the government's plan to stop the public from watching the debate. He walked out of the chamber to protest.

This protest led to the 1903 Water Riots. During these riots, some people were killed, and the Red House (a government building) was burned. After the riots, Alcazar defended the people who were put on trial. Everyone he defended was found not guilty. He also spoke for the public during the official investigation that followed.

Advisor to the Governor

In 1915, Alcazar was appointed to the Executive Committee. This committee gave advice to the Governor on important decisions. He continued to work for elected members in the Legislative Council. This change finally happened in 1924.

Alcazar remained on the Executive Council until he passed away. In 1918, he was knighted, a rare honor for someone from a colony who wasn't a government official or judge.

See also

• 1925 Trinidad and Tobago general election
• Cyrus Prudhomme David