Born on July 31, 1928, in Point Fortin to Grenadian immigrants, Givan and Nellie Alexander, Allan’s early life was rooted in modest beginnings. His parents operated a small bakery and parlour, instilling in him the values of hard work and community service. He received his primary education at Point Fortin AC School and later at Queen’s Royal College (QRC). Before pursuing law, Alexander held various positions, including secondary school teacher, Ward Officer in the Princes’ Town District, and refinery operator at Texaco Oil Refinery in Pointe-à-Pierre. With his wife Cynthia, Allan had four children, three daughters, twins Jacqueline and Jennifer, and June and a son, David, who would follow his father’s footsteps into law. Allan would subsequently father another daughter Ayanna. in 1957, he embarked on legal studies in England, joining Gray’s Inn and was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 1959. He returned to Trinidad later that year and was admitted to practise in January 1960.

Allan Alexander’s legal career was marked by significant cases that shaped the region’s jurisprudence. In Trinidad Bakeries Ltd v. The National Union of Foods, he successfully argued that the Industrial Court lacked the authority to order worker reinstatement, leading to legislative amendments in the Industrial Stabilisation Act (ISA). In The Attorney General v. Panday and the Vanguard Publishing Company Ltd., he defended against contempt charges, asserting the High Court’s lack of jurisdiction over the Industrial Court’s matters. His representation in Collymore and Abraham v. The Attorney General challenged the constitutionality of the ISA, contributing to its eventual repeal and replacement by the Industrial Relations Act in 1972. During the 1970 Black Power movement, Alexander represented George Weekes in a habeas corpus application, resulting in Weekes’ release and affirming the judiciary’s role in safeguarding individual rights. He also defended Lieutenant Rex Lasalle in the 1970 mutiny case, where the Court of Appeal overturned convictions due to procedural errors. In Thornhill v. The Attorney General, his advocacy led the Privy Council to uphold the right to legal counsel, reinforcing constitutional protections. Allan was admitted to the Inner Bar in July 1980, continuing to serve clients with distinction until his retirement in 2003. Beyond the courtroom, he served as an Independent Senator, contributing to the national discourse with integrity and insight. His commitment to justice, especially for the marginalised, earned him widespread respect. As Law Association President Reginald Armour S.C. noted, Alexander was “first and always a patriot,” whose work enriched the rule of law in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean.

Allan Joseph Alexander passed away peacefully on October 1, 2016, at the age of 88. His legacy endures in the legal precedents he set and the lives he touched through his unwavering commitment to justice. The Queen’s Royal College Old Boys’ Association proudly honours Hall of Honour Inductee the late Allan Joseph Alexander S.C., whose life exemplified the highest ideals of service and integrity.