Dr Jerome Teeluckingh
“We must not be afraid of problems. Nor should we merely condemn ourselves, throw our hands up in despair, turn our backs, or otherwise ignore challenges. We must address them with quiet resolve, and emerge the wiser as a result.” This was the Republic Day message of President Noor M. Hassanali in 1993. Such advice is still applicable to T&T and other nations.
As a youth, Hassanali was an adept footballer and cricketer. Due to his intellect, the natural path for his secondary education in 1931 would be Naparima College. Later, he would go abroad to pursue a law degree at the University of Toronto.
He had a brief fling with politics. In September 1950, a young Hassanali was encouraged to contest the Legislative Council elections as an independent candidate in the Victoria constituency. He was defeated at the polls, but this was a minor setback in a life destined for greatness.
In 1952, the attorney-at-law married Zalayar Mohammed, and both would embark on an incredible journey that would inspire and brighten the lives of many citizens. Hassanali had an illustrious legal career and certainly earned his silk. He possessed an outstanding legal mind and would become our greatest president.
His steady rise included promotion to Senior Magistrate in 1960. Later that year, he departed from that position and began working in the Attorney General’s Chambers as Senior Crown Counsel.
He was a devout Muslim and was occasionally invited to speak on Islam. In 1962, Justice Hassanali spoke to an Islamic women’s group and said, “I suggest that it would be the ideal constitution for any nation if it embodied the principles of democracy, freedom, equality and social justice which are all in accordance with the principles of Islam as embodied in the Qur’an.” Almost two decades later, in February 1987, as president, he spoke on the topic – ‘The Revelation of the Qur’an and its Message to Mankind.’
In February 1987, during the administration of the National Alliance of Reconstruction, Hassanali was elected president of the Republic of T&T. And, in February 1992, under the People’s National Movement, he was elected for a second term. This second term would include 16 months under the United National Congress, which won the general election in 1995.
Hassanali made his distinguished presence felt in Parliament. An illustration is the selection of nine Independent senators, which was the responsibility of the president. Hassanali chose citizens who were fearless, bold and, most importantly, safeguarded democracy. Parliament became interesting as the public focused on these independent voices in the Upper House who were either scoring goals with precision or leaving their creases to hit, for six, any bad bowling from both Opposition and Government benches.
President Hassanali and the elegant Mrs Hassanali also supported culture and sport. For instance, in July 1995, the president was at the Queen’s Park Oval to witness a friendly football game between Mexico’s Olympic team and the T&T senior footballers. Also during that month, the president and his wife attended the 50th anniversary of the 31st Trinidad Sea Scout Group at Duncan Village in south Trinidad.
One of the cornerstones of Hassanali’s public messages was the importance of family life. For instance, in 1992, he emphasised in his Republic Day message, “The home is where the child first learns about the Creator and about the duty of prayer…The home is the first training ground of love and service….In the home we get our first lessons in self-respect and manners.” He also noted that our homes are “a training ground for every kind of morality.” Today, we certainly need to seriously reflect on his statement. And I wonder about the state of young minds and adults emerging from dysfunctional homes.
When the President and First Lady demitted office, an unrivalled and amazing legacy had already been established. They both were positive role models and mentors for many at home and abroad. One positive impact during their tenure was the decision to have an alcohol-free President House.
Hassanali neither abused power nor overstepped the boundaries of the presidency. He was an icon who never sought cheap publicity but exuded a quiet charisma. He exuded confidence and possessed integrity that was never compromised. Such traits and stature made him immune to the bachannal and gossip that regularly haunt public figures.
The president’s Republic Day message in 1991 is still relevant to the creation of good citizens: “Let us all strive to serve our country, everyone of us to the best of his ability. We must strive to live in peace and to live happily as a civilized society.” Hassanali died in 2006, and his pearls of wisdom and stately demeanour should never be forgotten.
