Passing of Sir Ellis Clarke - National Flags flying at half-mast

Statement from His Excellency Professor George Maxwell Richards TC, CMT, Ph.D on the passing of Sir Ellis Clarke TC, GCMG, KCMG, CMG

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Ellis Clarke TC, GCMG, KCMG, CMG, former President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Sir Ellis, a most outstanding and dedicated patriot, served our country with unswerving commitment. He contributed significantly to laying the foundations on which this country would be built – as diplomat, in the law, as last Governor General of independent Trinidad and Tobago, as architect of our Republican Constitution and as first President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

This was the public profile, but otherwise, Sir Ellis gave his support to causes that did not
necessarily bear the stamp of officialdom.

As an orator, he was surpassing and, with this extraordinary gift, inspired many by the nuggets ofwisdom which he gave to us, without text, and often, with delightful humour.

Sir Ellis represented an era in public affairs and in personal dignity, upholding the best characteristics of what many of us see as the finest of the Trinidad and Tobago quality.

Sir Ellis' late spouse, Lady Ermyntrude, his son, Peter and daughter, Margaret Ann, completed this much respected and well-beloved family.

Other members of my family, the staff of the Office as well as of The President's House, past and present, who were blessed to know and to serve him, join me in conveying to the bereaved family deepest condolences.

As Head of State, I express the nation's gratitude for the service of Ellis Emmanuel Innocent Clarke and its grief at his passing.

In tribute to his life, let us all resolve to heed his example.

The Office of the President.