Today, March 29, 2011, marks the 30 anniversary of the passing of one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most respected and loved national icons – the first Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago – the brilliant Dr. Eric Williams. RHAND CREDIT UNION would like to take this time to reflect on one of our nation’s outstanding scholars and political pioneers.
History
Eric Williams was born in 1911 to Thomas Henry Williams, (a public servant) and Eliza Williams nee Boisierre (a housewife) both of Port of Spain. Dr. Williams showed his exceptional scholarly aptitude as he excelled at his studies at Queens Royal College, where he went on to win a scholarship and proceeded to study History at Oxford University in England. After completing his studies, he worked for the Caribbean Commission until the year 1955; thereafter he entered the field of politics.
Dr. Williams formed the People’s National Movement in 1955 and went on to champion the party to five victorious elections consecutively. He also led the country to its Independence in 1962 and went on to lead the nation’s government for 25 years. He is often referred to as “the Father of the Nation”
Today
Dr. Eric Williams has been revered as a scholar – Capitalism and Slavery (1944) and From Columbus to Castro – The History of the Caribbean 1492-1969 (1970) – are amongst his most distinguished works. There is currently an Eric Williams Memorial Collection at the University of the West Indies which was inaugurated in 1998 by then U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell. Mr. Powell noted in his speech “no one was a greater fighter for justice and equality. No one was a greater leader.” The E.W.M.C. comprises Williams’ research library, archives and museum. In addition, the E.W.M.C. promotes and facilitates panel discussions, encyclopedia entries, seminars, scholarships and prizes in History, lectures and symposiums and book publications.
RHAND CREDIT UNION joins the nation today in remembering our “father” the researcher, academic, politician, national leader, father, historian, the esteemed Dr. Eric Eustace Williams.
