Presidents mourn Hassanali

In a statement President Richards said Hassanali’s ten-year tenure as President starting from 1997 bore the stamp of excellence and commitment to the ideals that he espoused from his earliest years.

He said, “His acknowledgment of the Almighty was evident in the conduct of his mission as Head of State and he did not compromise his religious persuasion while being the guardian, as it were, of the interests of all the people of TT.”

Richards praised Hassanali’s quiet dignity which endeared people to him as he reached out to every level in society as well as his wisdom in dealings, especially in the context of contrary opinions.

Richards also highlighted Hassanali’s sense of humour “which came as a surprise to some, but which was well known to those with whom he interfaced on a regular basis.”

Richards said Hassanali performed with distinction in his profession, attaining the level of Justice of Appeal and was recognised among the legal fraternity and outside as a person of the highest integrity. He said what may not be widely known was Hassanali’s passion for sport — at Naparima College he obtained double first class colours in soccer and cricket.

Hassanali was captain and coach of the University of Toronto First Division Soccer Team and a Member of the Executive Council of the College Athletic Union. Richards said after qualifying as a barrister in England, Hassanali returned to TT and made a significant contribution to football for which he was honoured by the San Fernando Borough Council.

Hassanali and his wife supported the arts and were present at plays, concerts, exhibitions, and operas all over the country.

Richards said, “President Hassanali served his country with distinction. My wife Jean and the rest of my family as well as staff of the Presidency join me in extending sincere condolences to the Hassanali family on their bereavement.”

Former President Robinson, in a statement, said Hassanali is the first President whose passing this nation mourns.

Robinson said he first met Hassanali as a magistrate in Tobago where he had been impressed by his conduct.

“Always courteous and dignified, his court was impressive by its order and decorum. I knew he was destined for the High Court.”

He said Hassanali had a special link to Tobago where one of his children was born.

Robinson recalled that as Prime Minister he had nominated the then retired Justice Hassanali to be President.

“Mr Hassanali was elected without opposition.”

Robinson said that during their relationship as President and Prime Minister the two men never had any major issue arising between them. Hassanali’s ban on alcohol at President’s House, said Robinson, never became an issue.

“Of impeccable character, he acquitted himself with distinction.” Robinson recalled that after his recovery from gunshot wounds after the 1990 attempted coup, he offered his resignation to Hassanali who had roughly replied “what for?” and dismissed him.

Robinson said Hassanali had served at all levels of the judiciary and at the highest level of public office in the nation with no blemish whatever upon his character. “This noble citizen deserves to be duly honoured for the manner in which both in respect of family and national life he has been a model citizen of our nation.” Newsday was unable to contact former President Sir Ellis Clarke who is in England on vacation for three weeks.