Robin Maharaj: Life after TTT

Robin Maharaj: Life after TTT

Two weeks ago, Outlish contributor and behind-the-scenes coordinator, Anthony La Borde, penned a piece – “An Ode to Robin Maharaj: T&T’s Best Weatherman” – about his appreciation for… Robin Maharaj (Click link to read it in full). As expected, readers joined in with their fond memories of Mr Maharaj, and there were disputes on our Facebook page about whether he really said, “They want rain; ah go gi dem rain in dey mudder ass”, one night, when he thought the camera was off.
Anyhoo, late Monday night, I settled down to check e-mail and screamed. Uncle Robin had emailed us to say that he was really flattered by Anthony’s piece, and wanted to thank him personally. I then tortured Anthony on BBM, telling him to look out for a special e-mail this week, and he proceeded to waste his phone money calling me from Canada to ‘pick meh mouth’. No such luck.
However, I really wanted to find out what Uncle Robin has been up to, as readers were asking, I wanted to know as well, and, besides, this is Robin Maharaj – media icon and all-round best weatherman of all time. How cool is it to be swapping e-mails with a local, media legend!
So I asked him for an update – just a few sentences since I didn’t want to be a bother – and told him I hoped he didn’t think we were minding his business.
This was his reply:
Hi Karel
Not at all, you are not minding my business. I gladly acquiesce to your request, but it will be more than a couple of sentences.
In 1999, I left the TnT Met Service where I was Chief Meteorologist, and also as the TTT Meteorologist, simultaneously, to take up a job as a Scientific Professional at the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), at its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. WMO is a UN Agency. This was gotten over the applications of 163 other world meteorologists.
At WMO, my experience, research and expertise in both meteorology and weather broadcasting were utilised in coordinating and organising global activities and training in weather forecasting, weather broadcasting, and devising/designing and packaging weather office products for a wide spectrum of public users.
And most importantly, I was tasked with assisting Met Services in the developing countries to boost their capabilities in severe weather forecasting and warning, with a view to promoting the safety and security of populations and property. This entailed direct training, preparation of training manuals and use of whatever scientific, professional experts/expertise we could garner from member countries, on projects.
It was a great experience and my wife Grace and I enjoyed our stay in Switzerland. The job entailed lots of travel and that was a bonus.
I retired in 2005 and we migrated to Minnesota, USA, since our only two children, (two boys, the older being a highly respected CEO of a medical device company and is in great demand to save failing companies, and the second is a bioengineering expert working in research and development), and grandchildren, reside there. Our grands are all at university pursuing higher education, one in medicine.
In the interim, after retirement I have been very active in the meteorological and environmental sciences, and produce work and advice in these areas. I also found time to complete an MSc in Environmental Management in 2007. In addition, I also write to the TnT media on pertinent topics and issues, and I am happy to say that my contributions are used. I am a strong defender of meteorology, and that includes the Trinidad and Tobago Met Service. I keep in touch with senior staff there who may need my input. After the Japanese tsunami and nuclear event, my opinion was sought on Fox News TV here in the USA about the spread of radiation in the USA. Excerpts of the interview were played for two days following.
I had put on some weight when I left Trinidad and after retirement my wife, Grace, ensured that I followed an exercise and diet regime to promote/maintain good health. She is at the same weight (113lbs) she was at when we married nearly 50 years ago, so I had a good teacher/coach. Now, I feel good, weigh 147 lbs, and daily, throughout the year, I fast-walk 10 to 12 km., at a pace of 9mins/km. I have conquered the notorious Minnesota winters and in some years I walk for over 320 days.
It has been a wonderful life, one that has been rewarding in many ways. The one I wish to mention is the public recognition of my work; that approval helped me improve and to finetune my talent. There were times when I might have invited opprobrium, but the kind people stressed my strengths, abilities and talent, and led me to believe in myself. This went on for the period 1972-1999, when I was the public face of the Met Service, and I definitely appreciate the public kindness over that time.
To find that some people remember me on TTT, or from having met me in my public role, is most touching. I am grateful to Outlish and Anthony La Borde for their kind revival of those happy days in Anthony’s ode. It is good to be remembered; it is better to be remembered kindly for what others judge to be good things.
I thank you most profusely, and wish Outlish the best in all endeavours.
Sincerely,
Robin Maharaj
P.S.: In another e-mail, he added, “Your (Outlish’s) work is excellent. I hope it gets the support of folks”.
Isn’t he just the best?

Two weeks ago, Outlish contributor and behind-the-scenes coordinator, Anthony La Borde, penned a piece – “An Ode to Robin Maharaj: T&T’s Best Weatherman” – about his appreciation for… Robin Maharaj (Click link to read it in full).

As expected, readers joined in with their fond memories of Mr Maharaj, and there were disputes on our Facebook page about whether he really said, “They want rain; ah go gi dem rain in dey mudder ass”, one night, when he thought the camera was off.

Anyhoo, late Monday night, I settled down to check e-mail and screamed. Uncle Robin had emailed us to say that he was really flattered by Anthony’s piece, and wanted to thank him personally. I then tortured Anthony on BBM, telling him to look out for a special e-mail this week, and he proceeded to waste his phone money calling me from Canada to ‘pick meh mouth’. No such luck.

However, I really wanted to find out what Uncle Robin has been up to, as readers were asking, I wanted to know as well, and, besides, this is Robin Maharaj – media icon and all-round best weatherman of all time. How cool is it to be swapping e-mails with a local, media legend!

So I asked him for an update – just a few sentences since I didn’t want to be a bother – and told him I hoped he didn’t think we were minding his business.

This was his reply:

(and he sent us a recent photo too, which I asked for).

 

Hi Karel

Not at all, you are not minding my business. I gladly acquiesce to your request, but it will be more than a couple of sentences.

In 1999, I left the TnT Met Service where I was Chief Meteorologist, and also as the TTT Meteorologist, simultaneously, to take up a job as a Scientific Professional at the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), at its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. WMO is a UN Agency. This was gotten over the applications of 163 other world meteorologists.

At WMO, my experience, research and expertise in both meteorology and weather broadcasting were utilised in coordinating and organising global activities and training in weather forecasting, weather broadcasting, and devising/designing and packaging weather office products for a wide spectrum of public users.

And most importantly, I was tasked with assisting Met Services in the developing countries to boost their capabilities in severe weather forecasting and warning, with a view to promoting the safety and security of populations and property. This entailed direct training, preparation of training manuals and use of whatever scientific, professional experts/expertise we could garner from member countries, on projects.

It was a great experience and my wife Grace and I enjoyed our stay in Switzerland. The job entailed lots of travel and that was a bonus.

I retired in 2005 and we migrated to Minnesota, USA, since our only two children, (two boys, the older being a highly respected CEO of a medical device company and is in great demand to save failing companies, and the second is a bioengineering expert working in research and development), and grandchildren, reside there. Our grands are all at university pursuing higher education, one in medicine.

In the interim, after retirement I have been very active in the meteorological and environmental sciences, and produce work and advice in these areas. I also found time to complete an MSc in Environmental Management in 2007. In addition, I also write to the TnT media on pertinent topics and issues, and I am happy to say that my contributions are used. I am a strong defender of meteorology, and that includes the Trinidad and Tobago Met Service. I keep in touch with senior staff there who may need my input. After the Japanese tsunami and nuclear event, my opinion was sought on Fox News TV here in the USA about the spread of radiation in the USA. Excerpts of the interview were played for two days following.

I had put on some weight when I left Trinidad and after retirement my wife, Grace, ensured that I followed an exercise and diet regime to promote/maintain good health. She is at the same weight (113lbs) she was at when we married nearly 50 years ago, so I had a good teacher/coach. Now, I feel good, weigh 147 lbs, and daily, throughout the year, I fast-walk 10 to 12 km., at a pace of 9mins/km. I have conquered the notorious Minnesota winters and in some years I walk for over 320 days.

It has been a wonderful life, one that has been rewarding in many ways. The one I wish to mention is the public recognition of my work; that approval helped me improve and to finetune my talent. There were times when I might have invited opprobrium, but the kind people stressed my strengths, abilities and talent, and led me to believe in myself. This went on for the period 1972-1999, when I was the public face of the Met Service, and I definitely appreciate the public kindness over that time.

To find that some people remember me on TTT, or from having met me in my public role, is most touching. I am grateful to Outlish and Anthony La Borde for their kind revival of those happy days in Anthony’s ode. It is good to be remembered; it is better to be remembered kindly for what others judge to be good things.

I thank you most profusely, and wish Outlish the best in all endeavours.

 

Sincerely,

Robin Maharaj

P.S.: In another e-mail, he added, “Your (Outlish’s) work is excellent. I hope it gets the support of folks”.

Isn’t he just the best?

 

About Karel Mc Intosh
Karel Mc Intosh is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Outlish Magazine. She's also the Lead Communications Trainer at Livewired Group, where she conducts workshops in business writing, social media, and other communications areas. A real online junkie, when she isn't surfing the Internet, she's thinking about surfing the Internet. Find out more about her here or tweet her @outlishmagazine.

23 Comments
  • Sean Clarke
    Posted at 18:04h, 16 May Reply

    Trinbagonians does really find themselves all over d place doin some great things eh…. Congrats Robin, wishing you and your family many more happy years.

  • Sean Clarke
    Posted at 18:04h, 16 May Reply

    Trinbagonians does really find themselves all over d place doin some great things eh…. Congrats Robin, wishing you and your family many more happy years.

  • Des Seebaran
    Posted at 01:52h, 17 May Reply

    I now realise all this happrn. So nice of him.

  • Vish
    Posted at 18:06h, 10 January Reply

    the link to the full article is not working

    • Karel Mc Intosh
      Posted at 18:58h, 19 June Reply

      Hi Vish. We updated it.. albeit late. Lol. Thanks for the heads up nevertheless 🙂

  • Gerard F.
    Posted at 18:37h, 10 January Reply

    ohh wow! I never knew he went on to such great things! I feel so proud and happy for him. He really has been THE iconic weatherman for T&T so it’s great that we can give back to him if even in this ‘small’ way. Thanks a lot Anthony La Borde and Outlish!

  • James
    Posted at 11:14h, 12 January Reply

    Grace Ramesar, I can remember her very well, even having not seen her since her Naparima school days. It’s good to know, she is taking good care of you, Robin.

  • Robin Maharaj
    Posted at 17:30h, 23 March Reply

    I was just recently contacted by a buddy I had known a few decades back. He wondered what happened to me and he googled to find your article. Then he emailed me. It was good to renew acquaintance. I am not going overboard by repeating my previous thanks to Outlish, but dividends have accrued to me by your publication. To the few who commented following the post……you people are really wonderful.
    Stay good
    Robin

    • Afiya
      Posted at 04:35h, 13 February Reply

      Yes you were amazing. And your wife is the real MVP (Most Valuable Player). She thought me Math in Eldo and we all sat in the car park crying the day she drove off after announcing it was her last term. She was like a mom to me, I remember her voice every time i slouch, telling me to sit up. Because of her I even started flossing daily and overall being a lady. I loved her like my mom. Funny she would always talk about the Canadian teachers she had. Please send my regards to her and I too have always staved for excellence because of genuine, ambitious people like you both who really are Ambassadors of Trinidad to the world. I too have had the privilege to work in Madrid, Spain at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation contributing a lot of my expertise and spreading that trini spice ( being the only Trinidadian to ever worked there). I am currently in Australia, Queensland doing some research here as well. I know she would be proud of me. God bless you two.

  • Jason Mathura
    Posted at 15:22h, 12 February Reply

    Robin Maharaj.

    I remember as a kid watching TTT News and Robin with the weather it was amazing
    and my grandmother used to say to me ” Shut your mouth I want to hear what Robin saying about the weather” mind you she was a serious farmer so what Robin says about the weather is what the weather is going to be.

    Thanks for your contribution to Trinidad and Tobago and to all those people who looked forward to the weather by Robin…

  • Kierron
    Posted at 08:51h, 13 February Reply

    Great motivation you are Sir! I truly enjoyed reading this and I am very proud to see that you are flying the Trinidad and Tobago flag high. You have shown that behind every great success lies a strong woman/wife. I truly wish you all well. The memories growing up as we sat down to take in Mc Gyver after will forever be remembered. Like it or not, you are a legend. God’s blessings. Keep good.

  • Lesleyanne Lindsay-Nanna
    Posted at 16:02h, 13 February Reply

    I remember Robin Maharaj vividly as a child growing up and watching TTT and Panorama. He was always spot on with the weather. After him, there has never been another meteorologist with the same accuarcy. It was wonderful to read of his success in life and that of his children and grandchildren. What an inspiring legacy and a fount of knowledge.

  • David
    Posted at 16:51h, 13 February Reply

    Thanks for sharing Robin Maharaj. I too always wondered what had become of you. It was as if you had disappeared from the face of the earth. I’m happy to hear of your continued successes and accomplishments after leaving Trinidad.
    As a young person growing up I always enjoyed listening to you give the weather report. It was the best!
    Best of luck to you and your family. God bless!!

    Regards,
    David Aleong

  • Marci Bain
    Posted at 22:18h, 13 February Reply

    Remember email as a child sitting with my papa listening to panorama and inter tropical conversion zone stuck in my head lol

    • Marci Bain
      Posted at 22:19h, 13 February Reply

      Meant to type rm not email lol

  • Kimlan Lau
    Posted at 01:19h, 14 February Reply

    Outlish, I saw the post on Fb. OMG!!! This guy is the best!! I remember him form TTT, I am very happy to hear that he had such a great career & family life. I will definitely show my mother this article as she was such a Robin Maharaj fan when he was on TTT. We never quite got a Meteorologist quite like him. Nice to hear from you Robin Maharaj & all the best to you & your family. Thanks Outlish for publishing this.
    Best Regards
    KimLau

  • Kimlan Lau
    Posted at 01:22h, 14 February Reply

    My apologies for the grammatical & spelling errors. Uggggh

    KimLau

  • Kevin Peters
    Posted at 16:09h, 14 February Reply

    I remember the maps! Meticulously drawn every night. I learnt what was an acronym as a child because I wanted to know what “I.T.C.Z.” meant. “Areas of low pressure” was part of the language I learnt from this gentleman. Even today as an adult, the weather fascinates me more than the actual news does.
    And best of all, if the weather wasn’t as predicted the night before, Mr Maharaj would smile it off,apologize and say he himself didn’t know what happened there. Lol. Good reminiscing about you sir. God’s speed.

  • Robin
    Posted at 17:59h, 10 April Reply

    Comments above are amazing and pleasing. I was just doing my duty. The thing is, that attitude brought dividends, accruing not only to me, but from what I read above, to others also. I feel the warmth of your affection and the glow of the memories of the past remain with me.

  • Colin
    Posted at 22:53h, 03 July Reply

    As a child growing up I remember Robin Maharaj doing the weather forecast every night I was so inspired by his brilliance. During my Junior Secondary years I wanted to be a Meteorologist just like Mr. Maharaj, I even met him in person during a field trip to the Met Office at Piarco. Sadly however, not all dreams come true and I never got the opportunity to study Meteorology. But the memories of looking at Mr. Maharaj on TV is etch in my mind, I still remember him with not a grain of hair out of place. To this day I still research the weather on a daily basis, thanks to Mr. Maharaj.
    Thank you for giving me beautiful memories Mr. Maharaj and for inspiring me.

  • Paul
    Posted at 19:37h, 26 September Reply

    Wow!!! I grew up watching TTT and the weather forecast. I learned a lot from Mr. Maharaj, it was my first introduction to the ITCZ he really made the weather forecast fun to watch. May God continually bless him.

  • Robin Maharaj
    Posted at 18:04h, 22 October Reply

    A lot of the above is flabbergasting. Know what? Someone asked that I send some info so that an article could be produced on my life i retirement. One of my sources is this Outlish bit. Thanks again.
    Robin

  • Patrick Ramnarine
    Posted at 12:31h, 30 October Reply

    known this guy since the 70’s. my cousin worked as a meteorologist and I worked in civil aviation briefly before university etc. shared rental space with him also. nice to know that there was life after TTT

Post A Reply to Colin Cancel Reply