# George Maxwell Richards > President of Trinidad and Tobago (1931-2018) **Wikidata**: [Q57532](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57532) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Maxwell_Richards) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/george-maxwell-richards ## Summary George Maxwell Richards (1931-2018) was a Trinidadian politician, chemical engineer, and university teacher who served as President of Trinidad and Tobago. He was the first person of African descent to hold the ceremonial position of President in the country's history, representing the nation during its republican era. ## Biography - Born: 1931-12-01 - Nationality: Trinidad and Tobago - Education: University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, Pembroke College - Known for: Serving as President of Trinidad and Tobago - Employer(s): University of the West Indies - Field(s): Politics, Chemical engineering, University teaching ## Contributions As President of Trinidad and Tobago, George Maxwell Richards served as the ceremonial head of state during the country's republican period. His role involved representing Trinidad and Tobago both domestically and internationally, though the presidency is largely ceremonial in the country's parliamentary system. Prior to his political career, Richards worked as a chemical engineer and university teacher, contributing to the technical education sector in Trinidad and Tobago through his work at the University of the West Indies. ## FAQs **What was George Maxwell Richards' educational background?** George Maxwell Richards was educated at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology and Pembroke College, where he studied chemical engineering. **What professional roles did George Maxwell Richards hold before becoming president?** Before becoming president, Richards worked as a chemical engineer and university teacher, primarily at the University of the West Indies. **What national award did George Maxwell Richards receive?** He received the Chaconia Medal, a national award of Trinidad and Tobago, recognizing his contributions to the country. **When did George Maxwell Richards serve as president?** While the exact years of his presidency are not specified in the source material, he served as President of Trinidad and Tobago during his lifetime (1931-2018). ## Why They Matter George Maxwell Richards represented a significant milestone in Trinidad and Tobago's political landscape as the first person of African descent to hold the ceremonial presidency. His background as a chemical engineer and university teacher brought a technical and educational perspective to the highest office in the country. His presidency contributed to the continuity of Trinidad and Tobago's republican government, which had been established in 1976 when the country became a republic. ## Notable For - First person of African descent to serve as President of Trinidad and Tobago - Combined technical expertise with political leadership - Received the Chaconia Medal, Trinidad and Tobago's national award - Maintained a career spanning engineering, academia, and politics - Represented Trinidad and Tobago during its republican era ## Body ### Early Life and Education George Maxwell Richards was born on December 1, 1931. He pursued higher education at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, where he studied chemical engineering. He also attended Pembroke College, though the specific degree or program from this institution is not detailed in the source material. ### Professional Career Richards built a diverse professional career that spanned multiple fields. He worked as a chemical engineer, applying his technical knowledge to practical applications. Additionally, he served as a university teacher, primarily at the University of the West Indies, where he contributed to the education and training of future professionals in Trinidad and Tobago. ### Political Career The pinnacle of George Maxwell Richards' career was his service as President of Trinidad and Tobago. In this ceremonial role, he represented the country as its head of state. The presidency in Trinidad and Tobago is largely ceremonial within the parliamentary system, with real executive power vested in the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Richards' presidency occurred during the country's republican era, which began when Trinidad and Tobago became a republic on August 1, 1976. ### Recognition and Legacy George Maxwell Richards received the Chaconia Medal, Trinidad and Tobago's national award, recognizing his contributions to the country. His presidency marked a significant milestone as he was the first person of African descent to hold this position in the country's history. His background as a chemical engineer and university teacher brought a unique technical and educational perspective to the highest office in Trinidad and Tobago. ### Personal Life George Maxwell Richards passed away on January 8, 2018, leaving behind a legacy that spanned engineering, education, and political leadership in Trinidad and Tobago. His life and career reflected the diverse opportunities and contributions possible within the Caribbean nation's developing professional and political landscape. ## References 1. [George Maxwell Richards (Date of Birth: 1st Dec 1931)](https://niherst.gov.tt/icons/icon/george-maxwell-richards-tt2/) 2. [Source](http://newsday.co.tt/2018/01/08/max-richards-dies/) 3. [Source](http://legacy.guardian.co.tt/news/2018-01-09/tt%E2%80%99s-fourth-president-dies) 4. Munzinger Personen 5. [Former president George Maxwell Richards dies](http://newsday.co.tt/2018/01/08/max-richards-dies/) 6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 7. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line