George Richards President of Trinidad and Tobago Country: Tobago

1. Biography of George Richards
2. Early Life and Education
3. Career and Achievements
4. Presidency and Contributions
5. Personal Life

Biography of George Richards

George Richards, better known as Max Richards, was born in 1931 in San Fernando, Trinidad. He was a renowned figure in Trinidad and Tobago, serving as the country's President from 2003 to 2013.

Early Life and Education

During his school years, Richards displayed exceptional academic abilities and won an educational competition that granted him the opportunity to continue his studies at the prestigious Queen's Royal College in Port of Spain. After completing his schooling, he joined the British oil company "United British Oilfields of Trinidad" (predecessor of "Shell Trinidad Ltd") from 1950 to 1951. Richards went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in 1955 and a Master's degree in Applied Chemistry in 1957 from the University of Manchester. In 1963, he obtained a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Cambridge.

Career and Achievements

Returning to Trinidad, Richards held various managerial positions at "Shell Trinidad Ltd" from 1957 to 1965 before becoming the Chair of the Department of Applied Chemistry at the University of the West Indies. He was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 1965 and was awarded a Doctorate in 1970. In 1980, Richards assumed different roles within the university structures, including being the Head of the Campus. He became the Rector and Deputy Chairman of the University Council in 1985. Additionally, he served as a board member of several organizations, such as "Trinidad Publishing Co.", "National Gas Co.", the National Education Council, the National Advisory Council, and the Institute of Marine Affairs from 1970 to 1980.

Presidency and Contributions

In 1988, when the government reduced funding for the University of the West Indies by thirty percent, Richards successfully navigated the institution through the challenging period. Although he retired from teaching in 1996, he retained the title of "Emeritus Professor". From 1977 to 2003, he served as the Chairman of the Government's Pay Commission. On March 17, 2003, Richards assumed the position of President after receiving the support of forty-three percent of the electoral college members (the President of Trinidad and Tobago is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both houses of parliament every five years). While the role of President in the country is primarily ceremonial, Richards implemented several significant measures to curb crime in Trinidad and Tobago. He also made contributions to the development of the country's Carnival institute. On February 11, 2008, he was re-elected as President, being the sole candidate, and the electoral college session lasted only three minutes.

Personal Life

Richards was awarded the Gold Medal of Chaconia, the national flower and pride of Trinidad and Tobago, in 1977 for his services to the nation. He married Jean Ramjohn, an anesthesiologist and cousin of a former President of the country. They have two children. Their son is a doctor, while their daughter is a businesswoman.