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Solomon Hochoy
Hochoy in 1972
1st Governor-General of Trinidad and Tobago
In office
31 August 1962 – 15 September 1972
MonarchElizabeth II
Prime MinisterEric Williams
Preceded byHimself (as Governor)
Succeeded byEllis Clarke
17th Governor of Trinidad and Tobago
In office
4 July 1960 – 31 August 1962
MonarchElizabeth II
PremierEric Williams
Preceded byEdward Beetham
Succeeded byHimself (as Governor-General)
Personal details
Born(1905-04-20)20 April 1905
Colony of Jamaica (present-day Jamaica)
Died15 November 1983(1983-11-15) (aged 78)
Blanchisseuse, Trinidad and Tobago
NationalityTrinidadian and Tobagonian
Political partyIndependent
SpouseThelma Huggins Hochoy

Sir Solomon Hochoy TC GCMG GCVO OBE (20 April 1905 – 15 November 1983) was the last colonial governor of Trinidad and Tobago and the first governor-general upon the country's independence in 1962. He was the first non-European governor of a British crown colony and the first ethnically Han Chinese and nationally Caribbean person to become Governor-General in the Commonwealth.

Life and career

Of Hakka Han Chinese descent, Hochoy's family emigrated to Trinidad when he was two years old. He spent his early years in Blanchisseuse. After rising through the civil service, Hochoy was appointed the first non-European Governor in the entire British Empire in 1960, and the first ethnic Chinese to be Governor.

When Trinidad and Tobago became independent in 1962 Hochoy was appointed Governor General. He retired from that position in 1972 and was succeeded by Ellis Clarke. After retirement he returned to Blanchisseuse where he spent the remainder of his life.

Family

He was married to Thelma Huggins, a social activist.

Legacy

The Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway and the Solomon Hochoy Trophy (for football) are named in his honour.

References

Government offices Preceded bySir Edward Betham Beetham Governor of Trinidad and Tobago 1960–1962 Succeeded by— Preceded by— Governor-General of Trinidad and Tobago 1962–1972 Succeeded bySir Ellis Clarke