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

134 RALPH “RAPHIE” KNOWLES (1915-1975) H is was a familiar voice both on radio and television as a sports commentator and sports news presenter for many years. His amazing memory for details enabled him to work without the benefit of a script or teleprompter, on the wide variety of sports and sporting personalities. He too was a sportsman of note, representing T&T in football and hockey. He also played first-class cricket for many years. In 1972 he was awarded the Public Service Medal of Merit Silver. SURUJPAT “PAT” MATHURA (1923-2007) H e attended St. Mary’s College and went on to become a popular journalist and radio announcer. Mathura started at Radio Trinidad where he had to purchase time and sell commercials to cover the cost of his program which focused on Indian culture on the subcontinent and around Trinidad. He stayed at Radio Trinidad for 47 years as an announcer, as well as producing radio programs, with special emphasis on Indian art, culture, and religion. During his distinguished career, he was elected Mayor of Port of Spain. In 1993 he was awarded the Hummingbird Medal Gold. SHAM MOHAMMED (1936-1994) H e was a Member of Parliament under three governments but is recognised especially for his starting the television talent series, Mastana Bahar, which he established in 1970, eight years after the