Max Richards (4TH) - Elected President of The Republic Trinidad & Tobago
First Family with daughter Maxine and son Mark
On March 10, 2003 Professor Maxwell Richards and his wife Dr. Jean Ramjohn-Richards were honoured at a cocktail party reception held at the Battimamzelle Restaurant, Coblentz Inn Boutique Hotel, St Anns, Port of Spain, Trinidad.
A family affair, the reception was hosted by the Martin Family, cousins to the esteemed couple. First Chairman of the 10-year old Martin Family Reunion Committee, Clayton Headley, presented Max who is also a founding member of that committee, with a commemorative plaque inscribed with the Family Crest. Current Chairperson Carol Gomez presented the First Lady with a beautiful orchid in bloom.
In response to the welcome address by cousin Leopold Martin, Max encouraged the family to continue their efforts to provide benefits to less privileged families through assistance in developing good family values and providing scholarships to deserving students seeking to further their education.
We extend our sincere Congratulations to the Republic's First Couple and trust that with his very distinguished and highly respected academic background, he will not only exemplify the dignity of this high office, but will enhance the well being of the people of the Republic by bringing them new and enlightened vision.
Max graduated from Queen's Royal College circa 1950 and in 1955 from University in England with a degree in Chemical Engineering and later earned his PHD in Engineering. He returned to Trinidad to take up employment with Shell Oil prior to joining the staff at the University of the West Indies, from which he retired a few years ago as President and Chancellor.
His Excellency is currently serving his second term as President of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
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President President Max Richards (4th generation) comments on world economic crises.
'Selfishness caused downfall' ...President: More enterprises to fall in crisis
Camille Bethel cbethel@trinidadexpress.com, Trinidad Guardian, Wednesday, March 4th 2009
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161447085
President George Maxwell Richards yesterday blamed the current world economic crisis on selfishness and predicted the fall of more enterprises as the crisis continues.
Speaking for the first time on the global financial downturn, during his feature address at the Heroes Foundation Youth Development Programme's third inauguration and awards ceremony at President's House, St Ann's, Richards said:
"The current world economic situation is showing us, in a powerful way, some of the results of self-centredness. Large business entities have failed, and there is likely to be more of that in the financial sector, in particular."
Richards added that while those in the higher echelons continue to enjoy comforts, diverting funds towards maintaining their lifestyle during the crisis, it is the small investors and workers who stand to lose.
He urged the 200-plus pupils who attended the function yesterday to focus not just on self, but also on helping to build a society on the maxim of being their brother's and sister's keeper for the benefit of the community.
"There is nothing wrong with wanting to be a success, even in terms of material benefits, although that cannot be complete success, but disregard for the value of other people can lead us on a path of callousness where self is glorified to the exclusion of all else, and that is where great danger lies."
He commended the efforts of the Heroes Foundation, which is under his patronage, in trying to help build the character of the participating youth, by getting them more involved in helping others.
"Today, children from six secondary schools are joining the programme and adding to the army of young people who can help to influence a new wave of positive development among our youth," he said.
Pupils from Barataria North Secondary School, Bishop's Centenary College, Woodbrook Government Secondary School, St Francois Girls' College, Diego Martin North Secondary School and Belmont Secondary School took part.
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New Family Education Fund Started
Dr. Selwyn Lee-Young (4th) was so inspired by Cousin Max's words at the March 10, 2003 reception, that he decided to donate his hotel's costs of some $16,000 for the reception, to the Martin Family, on condition that this gesture on his part will serve as an incentive to other family members to commence making whatever financial contributions they can toward an educational fund to fulfill speaker’s challenge to the family.
If you, our family members, would like to be a part of this pro-active endeavour which would be a significant and wonderful way in which to not only commemorate our cousin Max's ascension to the highest office in the country, and more importantly help to invest in our children's future, you may send your cheque payable to
"The Martin Family Education Fund" ... Foundation Information
c/o John B. Martin
11 Idlewild Rd.,
St. Anns, Port of Spain
Trinidad, W.I.
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