3 to get honorary doctorates at UTT graduation

THE University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) will confer honorary doctoral degrees on three distinguished individuals at its 2025 graduation ceremony.

In a news release on October 29, UTT said honorary doctorates will be presented to:

Peter Elias – honorary doctor of fine arts,

Israel Khan, SC – honorary doctor of laws,

and Jamwant Maharaj – honorary doctor of science.

In addition, it said, Gilman Figaro will be awarded the title of honorary distinguished fellow.

The ceremony will take place on November 18 at the Lord Kitchener Auditorium, National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), Port-of Spain at 10 am.

UTT, the release said, will also confer seven Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in the areas of education, entrepreneurship and commercial studies, and health administration.

This year’s graduation will celebrate approximately 1,500 graduands, who will receive undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, the arts, sport, fashion, and other innovative programme areas.

The event will be presided over by UTT chancellor President Christine Kangaloo.

Elias has been in the fashion business for over 30 years, styling and designing for various projects, including regional and New York-based magazines and campaigns. He also has a background in finance and economics but was always drawn to fashion owing to his mother's influence.

He is a well-known Carnival designer, collaborating with bands like Harts Carnival and, as part of The Lost Tribe, creating elaborate mas costumes. His work often incorporates a strong sense of Caribbean culture and identity.

Elias was involved in the Miss Trinidad and Tobago Pageant for over 15 years, helping to elevate its international profile.

In 2012, Elias received Hummingbird Medal (Silver) for his work in fashion.

He is the director of the Luise Kimme Museum in Tobago, a member of the advisory council for arts, letters, culture and public affairs and the Academy for the Performing Arts at the University of TT as well as an advocate for several foundations, including the Hibiscus Foundation and the Cyril Ross Home for children living with HIV and Aids.

Khan is the current president of the Criminal Bar Association of TT. He graduated from Hugh Wooding Law School in 1979 and established the Justitia Omnibus Law Chambers that year.

He is among the International Criminal Courts' (ICC) list of defence advocates at The Hague, Netherlands, to represent people charged with international crimes.

Khan's early career achievements include being the legal adviser to the National Crime Commission, a member of the Law Reform Commission and Director/Chairman of the Legal Aid and Advisory Authority. He has also served in politics, as Chairman of the National Alliance for Reconstruction's St Augustine constituency office, and as an alderman in the East St George County Council, now known as the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation.

In 1993, Khan authored Scales of Justice and has published numerous legal articles, contributing immensely to the legal fraternity.

He was appointed as chairman of the Firearms Appeal Board in 2012.

In 2016, for his invaluable contribution to the East Indian diaspora in TT, Khan was awarded by the National Council of Indian Culture.

At the Hugh Wooding Law School's 50th anniversary celebration in 2023, he was selected as one of the six most distinguished graduates in the institution's history. That year, he was also nominated for consideration by the Electoral College of Parliament for the election of the seventh president of the Republic of TT, based on his merit, ability and integrity.

For the past 36 years, Khan has been an associate tutor at the Hugh Wooding Law School, making a contribution to legal education. He also provides training in criminal law practice, and procedure and mentorship opportunities to the Law School's students through the annual Criminal Law Clinic at his Chambers, which is a specialist clinic falling under the Law School's Legal Aid Clinic.

Maharaj, known by many as the “Chemistry Raja,” is former Naparima College teacher.

He has written and published several non-fiction books on Chemistry, CSEC and CAPE as well as the semi-autobiographical Memoirs of Hickling Street.

Figaro, a songwriter, scriptwriter and producer, known as “Figgie” by his Caribbean fans, is the founder and chairman of the Sunshine Awards. Figaro has found his place among the veteran Caribbean promoters – making his contribution to Caribbean culture through art, dance, music and poetry – as he continues to raise the level of musical productions. As a student at St Benedict’s College, La Romaine, San Fernando, Figaro joined the school’s military band as a trombone player. He also sang in the choir, played soccer and cricket, and was president of the Student Government.