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

3 EMMANUEL MZUMBO LAZARE (1864-1929) H e was one of the early fighters for Independence who was always seeking improvement for all around him. Mzumbo, who was christened Emmanuel, gave himself the African name at the time when he wanted to identify with things African. As a boy he was a brilliant student who was very good at sports as well, especially cricket and cycling. He wanted to become a lawyer and this he achieved, becoming the first person to pass the local examination of the LawSociety Incorporated of England. In spite of his friendliness to all, he always had as his goal the betterment and upliftment of his people. He fought for the recognition of Emancipation Day as a public holiday. It was through the ground work he and others laid that voting rights came about later. Mzumbo Lazare also had a distinguished military career. From early on he joined the Volunteer Corps and pressed for the formation of a Trinidad Field Artillery Brigade. At the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 1897, he was presented to Queen Victoria, who was exceedingly impressed by him and even invited him to dine at Windsor Castle. He was also keen on agriculture and planted some of the best orchards around his home in Diego Martin.