On Tuesday, January 18, two former stalwarts of Presentation College , Chaguanas (formerly known as the College of St Phillip and St James) were honoured posthumously by the Alumni association of the school, with the unveiling of two busts at the school. Archbishop Edward Gilbert attended the ceremony.

Canon Maximillian Edward Murphy, parish priest and founder

Canon Maximillian Edward Murphy founded the school and John Burns BA (Cantab) was the school's first principal.

Canon Murphy, an American by birth, came to Trinidad in 1939 and was parish priest at St Phillip & St James, Chaguanas.

He soon recognised the need for a secondary school in the Central area, and founded the parish high school, which later became Pamphilian High School , a co-ed institution, and then became the famous boys' College of SS Phillip & James, later Presentation College , when the Presentation Brothers took over its management.

John Burns - principal (1949-58)

John Burns BA (Cantab), a Scotsman by birth and educated at Cambridge University was brought to Trinidad & Tobago in 1946, by Canon Murphy to function as a lay preacher in the church. A few years later, in 1949, he was chosen as the school's first principal.

According to Ishri Rampersad, President of the Alumni Association, at their 50th anniversary dinner in 1999, the decision was taken to do something to enshrine the memory of the college and a small group carried on with the mission, the first project being to honour Canon Murphy and Burns. Rampersad described Canon Murphy as "no ordinary dreamer; he was a visionary" for his decision to build a school in sleepy Chaguanas in the 1940s.

Principal Simon Rostant explains to students the significance of the two busts

Rampersad said while little was known about the personal history of Burns, "those of us privileged to have been taught by Mr Burns know that the learning imparted was not only secular but one of love which begins in a moment and ends in eternity."

Presentation College , Chaguanas, has emerged as one of the leading secondary schools in the country, excelling in both academic and sporting areas. Rampersad said despite the towering achievements of the school the memory of Canon Murphy and Burns must live on, "Time has no doubt dimmed, but not obliterated the memories of those who benefited from the work and dedication of these two illustrious individuals."

The busts and their display cost $20, 000, solicited from donations by ex-pupils.