Profiles: Heroes, Role Models and Pioneers of Trinidad and Tobago - by Nasser Khan

129 served the Caribbean region since 1975 in many areas. Among the many awards he has received are the Trinity Cross (2005), Chaconia Medal Gold (1987), Order of the Caribbean Community, The Cacique’s Crown of Honour and the Order of Jamaica. WILLIAM DE BOISSIÈRE (1872-1947) M araval-born, he was an important person in the development of that region, the son of Wilhelmina P. de Boissière and Dr. J. V. de Boissière, owners of the Champs Elysées Estate. As a soldier he rose to the position of commander of the 8 th Battalion of the West Indies Regiment in France and Italy and founded the Trinidad Light Infantry known today as the Mounted Branch. He was also appointed as the Protector of East Indian Immigrants for a period of time in 1914. He was a Member of the Legislative Council from 1914 to 1930. He was involved in boxing and the start up of the sport of horse racing. An excellent sportsman, he represented Trinidad in athletics, cricket and was captain of the polo team for many years. KAYE DOWLAND D uring the 1830s to the 1850s he was an important figure in Tobago holding many positions of responsibility. He left very detailed records on population, production and notable events during that period. JEAN (GENE) MILES (1930-1972) S he joined the Public Service in 1952 and by 1966 was a key witness in an enquiry into allegations of corruption in the gas station business that she brought to the front. She had worked at the Ministry of Petroleum and Mines and the Ministry of Labour. She later lost her job and fell on hard times, mentally and financially. Her’s is a fascinating story that has been written about in a book Gene Smiles and the subject of a play Miss Miles: Woman of the World. --De Verteuil, Anthony. The Story of Gene Smile and the Gas Station Racket, Paria Publishing Co. Ltd., 1981.