On Republic Day, 65 citizens of Trinidad and Tobago were awarded national honors for their exceptional contributions across various fields, including culture, engineering, and public service. The event featured emotional moments, particularly from awardees like Mark Loquan, who reflected on personal challenges. The ceremony aimed to inspire future generations while honoring significant achievements, with recipients expressing a desire to continue their service to the nation.
On Republic Day, a group of dedicated Trinidad and Tobago citizens were honored for their exceptional contributions to society during a ceremony hosted at the President’s House in Port-of-Spain. A total of 65 recipients received national awards that acknowledged their significant achievements in diverse fields, including culture, arts, sports, public service, and medicine, coinciding with Trinidad and Tobago’s 55th Annual National Awards and the Republic’s 48th anniversary. The event was marked by the reading of the awardees’ biographies by local secondary school students, which was well-received by the gathering of Cabinet members and distinguished guests. Among the emotionally charged moments, former National Gas Company President Mark Loquan emotionally accepted his award, citing it as one of the most profound highlights of his career, particularly in light of his recent health challenges, including brain cancer. His family expressed joy and relief amidst their ongoing struggles, with Loquan asserting the honor made him feel recognized by the nation. Professor Patrick Hosein, an awardee in technology and engineering, dedicated his honor to his mother and reflected on his commitment to improving education in Trinidad and Tobago upon returning from work abroad. He emphasized the urgent need for accelerated digital transformation within the country, demonstrating his willingness to contribute despite not having been approached by the State. Former police commissioners James Philbert and Stephen Williams also received recognition, discussing the challenges and necessary modernization within the police force, particularly regarding the implementation of body cameras. Duvone Stewart, awarded the Hummingbird Medal Silver, advocated for the introduction of steelpan in schools, highlighting its potential for youth engagement and crime reduction. He celebrated the cultural significance of the instrument to Trinidad and Tobago. Karen Darbasie, honored for her extensive service in banking, remarked on her family legacy of public service and encouraged young women to believe in themselves while emphasizing the rewards of hard work. Lastly, six posthumous awards were bestowed, ensuring that the contributions of various individuals would be recognized, even in their absence.
The national awards in Trinidad and Tobago represent a significant acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication of citizens who have made meaningful contributions to the nation across various sectors. This year’s ceremony coincided with the country’s Republic Day celebrations, highlighting the importance of civic contribution in a republic. By involving secondary school students in the presentation of awards, the ceremony not only honored older generations but also aimed to inspire youth engagement. The event allowed awardees to reflect on their service, and many expressed their desire to continue contributing to the development of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Republic Day awards ceremony underscored the importance of citizen contributions to national progress in Trinidad and Tobago. The diverse backgrounds and accomplishments of awardees such as Mark Loquan, Professor Patrick Hosein, and Karen Darbasie, showcased the richness of talent and commitment present in the nation’s citizens. As they express gratitude for the recognition, many pledge to continue their service, reinforcing the notion that honor in recognition carries with it the responsibility to uphold the values of dedication and progress for future generations.
Original Source: www.guardian.co.tt
