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Eric Williams


#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Eric Williams was born as Eric Lionel Williams on September 25, 1911.

Birth and Death Dates


September 25, 1911 – March 29, 1981

Nationality and Profession(s)


Williams was a Trinidadian historian, politician, and prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago from 1962 to 1981. He was also a renowned academic and author.

Early Life and Background


Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Williams' early life was marked by a passion for history and politics. His father was a tailor and his mother a teacher. Williams attended the Queen's Royal College in Trinidad before moving to the United Kingdom to pursue higher education. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Oxford University and later completed his Doctoral thesis on the History of British West Indian Sugar Plantations.

Major Accomplishments


Williams' most significant accomplishments include:

Leading Trinidad and Tobago to independence in 1962, becoming its first prime minister.
Implementing a comprehensive education system, which significantly improved literacy rates in the country.
Encouraging economic development through agriculture and manufacturing.

Notable Works or Actions


Some of Williams' notable works include:

History of the People of Trinidad and Tobago (1941) - a seminal work on the history of his native island.
* The Negro in the Caribbean (1958) - an insightful analysis of the black experience in the Caribbean.

Impact and Legacy


Williams' impact on Trinidad and Tobago was profound. He played a crucial role in shaping the country's identity and laying the foundation for its economic development. His commitment to education has had a lasting impact, with the country boasting one of the highest literacy rates in the region.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Williams is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful writings on history and his visionary leadership. His legacy serves as an inspiration to politicians, historians, and citizens worldwide who are committed to building a more just and prosperous society.

Quotes by Eric Williams

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Some things you'll never know, and some things you'll wish you never knew.
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For me, it’s church and state, not church in state, and I really feel there are some churches in central Ohio crossing that line.
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They have no right to complain! If women were cool with knowing their man is cheating on them then they have no right to complain. Sit down somewhere. BUT, if it makes them unhappy then complain with the understanding that if he doesn’t stop, get out the situation. End of story!
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You are on your own in a big world, in which you are one of many nations, some small, some medium sized, some large. You are nobody’s boss and nobody is your boss.
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To increase student engagement and ownership of learning, we should give students opportunities to do meaningful work – work that makes a difference locally, nationally, and globally.
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The Lord compelled me to go. Some people say they were moved by what they saw. Well, I was moved to go.
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You know, I've pretty much got through the part of feeling sorry for myself and sorry for the team. The only thing we can do now is keep fighting. We've got to play it game by game. That's all we can do.
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I feel like everybody in the whole world's backs are turned to us. One thing I can't stand is when people turn their backs on us.
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Slavery was not born of racism; rather, racism was the consequence of slavery.
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I am persecuted because of my writings, I think, therefore, that I should write some more.
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