ThE FIRsT pREsIdENT

of The rePublic of Trinidad and Tobago

Sir ellis emmanuel innocent Clarke, an only child, was born on 28th december 1917 into a middle class family of belmont. he received his high school education at St. mary’s College, where he won an island scholarship in mathematics. he pursued his tertiary education at london University where he obtained his l l b he was called to the bar at gray’s inn, london in 1941.

not long after his return to Trinidad and Tobago, ellis Clarke was called to the bar in his homeland, engaging in private practice from 1941-1954. between 1954 and 1962 ellis Clarke held several posts in the Colonial government: Solicitor general, deputy Colonial Secretary, attorney general and Constitutional advisor to the Cabinet. after the attainment of independence, ellis Clarke became a foreign diplomat, holding numerous posts between 1962 to 1976, sometimes simultaneously, including Trinidad and Tobago’s Permanent representative to the United nations.

he was an ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago to the United States and mexico. he was also Trinidad and Tobago’s representative on the Council of the organisation of american States. he also held the post of Chairman of bWia from 1968 to 1973. he was appointed as governor-general by her majesty the Queen of england in 1972, and assumed his duties on 31st January 1973.

on august 1st 1976, Trinidad and Tobago became a republic within the Commonwealth and the republican Constitution provided for a President who is the head of State and Commander in Chief of the armed forces. following a meeting of the electoral College, as provided by the Constitution, Sir ellis Clarke was elected unopposed as President, becoming the first President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago – an office he held until 1987.

ellis Clarke was involved in the preparation of a draft Constitution, culminating in his attendance at the marlborough house Conference held in london from 28th may to 8th June 1962.

He was bestowed the Companion of St. Michael and St. George (C.M.G.) in 1960, and made a Knight Bachelor (Kt. Bachelor) in 1963. He was one of the first to be awarded this country’s highest honour: the Trinity Cross (T.C.) in 1969. He also holds el gran Cordon, the highest national award in Venezuela.

Sir ellis passed away on december 30, 2010 at the age of 93. his body lay in state at the red house for two days before his burial.

Source: http://www.nalis.gov.tt/national_icons/EllisClarke.htm