Quick Facts
Biography
Sir Solomon Hochoy GCMG GCVO OBE (20 April 1905 – 15 November 1983) was a Trinidad and Tobago politician. He was the last British governor of Trinidad and Tobago and the first governor-general upon the country's independence in 1962. He was the first non-white governor of a British crown colony and the first ethnically Chinese and nationally Caribbean person to become governor-general in the Commonwealth.
Life and career
Of Hakka Chinese background, his family emigrated to Trinidad when he was two years old and he grew up in Blanchisseuse. After rising through the civil service, Hochoy was appointed the first non-white Governor in the entire British Empire in 1960 (the first West Indian 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.