Chinese-Jamaican statesman Sir Solomon Hochoy was born on April 20, 1905, in Kingston (with some sources citing Spanish Town). He would go on to help guide Trinidad and Tobago through one of the most pivotal moments in its history.
Hochoy left Jamaica at just two years old when his family moved to Trinidad and Tobago, settling in the north coast village of Blanchisseuse. From these quiet beginnings, he built a career in the colonial civil service that would ultimately place him at the centre of the country’s transition from colonial rule to independence.
From Civil Servant to National Leader
Hochoy began his career in 1927 as a junior clerk, steadily working his way through the public service. Known for his discipline and fairness, he rose to become Labour Commissioner before achieving a historic milestone in 1956 as Colonial Secretary—the first local, non-British individual to hold the role in the British West Indies.
His steady leadership and reputation for integrity would soon place him at the centre of a major turning point in Caribbean history.
A Historic First at Independence
In 1960, Hochoy was appointed Governor of Trinidad and Tobago, becoming the first non-white and non-British person to hold the position. When the country gained independence on August 31, 1962, he transitioned seamlessly into the role of its first Governor-General.
In doing so, he made history as:
- The last British Governor of Trinidad and Tobago
- The first Governor-General of the independent nation
- The first non-white Governor in the British Empire
He served in this role until 1972, helping to guide the country through its early years as a sovereign state with a calm and measured approach.
A Life of Service and Dignity
Despite holding one of the highest offices in the land, Sir Solomon Hochoy remained humble and approachable. He was known for his quiet authority, strong sense of duty, and ability to connect with people across all levels of society.
Alongside him was his wife, Thelma Huggins Hochoy, a dedicated advocate for social welfare who founded the Lady Hochoy Home for children with disabilities—an enduring part of their shared legacy.
For his service, Hochoy was knighted by Elizabeth II and later awarded the Trinity Cross, Trinidad and Tobago’s highest national honour at the time. His name also lives on through the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway, a major route in Trinidad, reflecting the lasting impact of his leadership during a critical period of nation-building.
Remembering Sir Solomon Hochoy
Sir Solomon Hochoy passed away on November 15, 1983, and was laid to rest in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
On this day, we remember a Jamaican-born leader whose quiet strength and historic achievements helped shape the course of a nation—and whose legacy continues to resonate across the Caribbean.
