![]() Anyone who has followed local electronic media for a while would have encountered the voice, if not the image, of veteran broadcaster and presenter, Hans Hanoomansingh. Today, we have received news that the man named Hansley Hanoomansingh has left us, his familiar voice silenced. Hans Hanoomansingh was born in Las Lomas and grew up in Cunupia and later Chaguanas. He started off selling in the Chaguanas market with his father, and spent 6 years as a market vendor there, after his father died when he was 11. During this time, he continued his education at Presentation College, Chaguanas and began teaching in San Fernando after High School and teaching French. Hans entered the world of broadcasting when he was hired by Radio Guardian (although he grew up in a home that never had a radio or TV). As part of the newsroom, he developed his skills as a journalist covering major national events and conducting interviews with high-profile national figures. After one such interview with Opposition Leader, Dr. Rudranath Capildeo, Hans was encouraged to enter the world of politics and ran and won the Caroni East seat in the 1966 General Elections. His Parliamentary experience did not last long as he opted to make his contribution to national life in broadcasting. He later became Chairman of Heritage Communications and Radio. He was a radio and television presenter and figured prominently, making immeasurable contributions in the cultural arena and as a pioneer in promoting Indian culture. Hans became the first president of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) in 1970, overseeing its transition from the National Council for Indian Music and Drama. He was the man who dreamt of the Divali Nagar, the inaugural event of which was hosted at the Mid Centre Mall car park in 1986. In 1990, Mr. Hanoomansingh received the Hummingbird Gold medal for his contribution to culture and broadcasting. Hans credited his growing up in Chaguanas with forming his views about the society and culture. In one interview, he said, "I grew up in a mixed community, …and we lived together, speaking to each other, understanding with some limitations the distinct qualities of our traditions … it .. gave me the consciousness of a multicultural society, which I have put into effect by my life." He regarded the celebration of Indian Arrival Day not as celebrating indentureship, but as celebrating the triumph of our ancestors over terrible conditions from the time of departure from India. I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Hans Hanoomansingh and enjoyed wide-ranging conversations with him on national issues of politics, culture and history on several occasions. With his passing, our nation has lost a pioneer in the field of broadcast journalism, a cultural activist, a man who demonstrated what public service means and a champion and historian of Indian culture, never in a chauvinistic way. Hans Hanoomansingh has served Trinidad and Tobago well. The national conversation has lost a familiar and important voice. My condolences to his family, friends, and all who were able to hear and be influenced by his voice. Keep chatting on the universal airways, Hans. (Source: Angelo Bissessarsingh's Virtual Museum of Trinidad and Tobago, July 5, 2025)
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