A Father, A Son, And Noor Hassanali 

A father, a son, and Noor Hassanali is a true story that took place in the life of a young boy growing up.

Our Dad Raffick Abasali

In this story, something profound happened in my life during the period that Noor Hassanali served as Judge of the High Court of Trinidad and Tobago. It was between the late '60s to the early '70s.

A Newspaper Article

A Sunday in Trinidad and Tobago heralded the usual Sunday newspapers. My father read as he normally did every Sunday.

After Dad had finished examining the gazette, he came to me and showed me one of the written articles.

Daddy then echoed the words of a loving father to an undeveloped juvenile.

He voiced, "I want you to cut out this newspaper article, save it, and read it every single day". 

What Was This Newspaper Article?

What was this newspaper article? What was this all about?

For it was 'only' a small article tucked between other articles and some adverts (advertisements).

Small Packages, Big Wonders

I immediately set about reading the article with bathed breath. I soon realized that tiny gifts can uncover earth-shattering surprises. And that big wonders can come in small packages.

The Sunday newspaper article was written by Noor Hassanali, a Judge of the High Court of Trinidad and Tobago.

Simple Truths

The elementary truths embodied in 'simple' pieces can transform human lives.

This artifact had a deep, absorbing effect on me as a youngster in a world that I wanted to conquer. It did not illuminate a clear path for me. But it revealed a way.

It had within it the plain, foundational, bare logic to build a life.

I am eternally grateful to 'Oh my Papa, you are so wonderful to me', for this monumental gift.

Still, today, recollecting this true episode that took place in my young life brings up deep emotions. My tender, loving Dad is no longer around today, but his teachings and the words of Noor Hassanali live on.

This was the day I imagined that I fell in love with non-fiction writing. 

Noor Hassanali

Permission for the use of this photo of Noor Hassanali was granted by the Hassanali family.

Noor Hassanali went on to become President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago between 1987 and 1997. 

Mr. Hassanali proceeded to eventually be an author publishing his book ‘Teaching Words’ in 2003 which entailed a collection of all his speeches. 

Although Noor Hassanali was thought of as popular, he was also one of the most respected Presidents of Trinidad and Tobago. This was due to his good reputation of class, honesty, and overall admirable morals. 

He was described as "one of the most neutral, reserved, and dignified figures in the history of Trinidad and Tobago politics".

Graduation Address Article

Noor Hassanali's newspaper article was at the time a graduation address at St. John's College titled "Useful Roles". This function took place on January, 30th, 1969.