On Republic Day, 65 citizens of Trinidad and Tobago were honored at the President’s House with national awards for their contributions to culture, arts, sports, public service, and medicine. Emotional moments, youth involvement, and calls for continued service were highlighted during the event, which emphasized national pride and the importance of community engagement.
On Republic Day, the President’s House in Port-of-Spain became a beacon of positive recognition as 65 outstanding citizens of Trinidad and Tobago were honored with national awards celebrating their exemplary contributions across various sectors, including culture, arts, sports, public service, and medicine. This event marked the 55th edition of national awards, coinciding with the nation’s 48 years of being a republic. The ceremony was further enlivened by 14 secondary school students reading the awardees’ biographies, emphasizing youth involvement in the celebration. A particularly poignant moment occurred when former National Gas Company President Mark Loquan, who has bravely battled brain cancer, emotionally received the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. This milestone marked a significant achievement in his professional journey, bringing warmth and joy to him and his family. Other recipients expressed gratitude for their awards and reinforced their commitment to continuing their service to the nation. Professor Patrick Hosein dedicated his award for technology and engineering to his mother and shared his resolve to contribute to Trinidad and Tobago’s technological advancements upon returning from a successful career in the United States. He underscored the importance of accelerating the local technology sector. Meanwhile, former Police Commissioners James Philbert and Stephen Williams acknowledged the national pride associated with their medals while also advocating for advancements in police modernization. Duvone Stewart, an acclaimed arranger and composer, made a compelling case for incorporating steelpan education in schools, advocating for its transformative potential within communities. His sentiments were echoed by Karen Darbasie, CEO of First Citizens Bank Group, who shared the emotional weight of following in her family’s footsteps of public service and encouraged young professionals to believe in themselves. In remembrance, posthumous awards were granted to six individuals who had significantly impacted various sectors, ensuring their legacies endure in Trinidad and Tobago’s history.
The event celebrated the contributions of citizens who have significantly impacted Trinidad and Tobago through various fields. The emphasis on positive acknowledgment amidst a national celebration highlights the importance of recognizing individuals dedicated to the development and advancement of their communities. The national awards serve not only as a personal honor but also as a collective aspiration to inspire others to contribute meaningfully to society. The involvement of youth in reading the awardees’ biographies reflects a commitment to engage the next generation in national pride and recognition of civic duty.
The Republic Day national awards ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the remarkable contributions of citizens to Trinidad and Tobago. The emotional acceptance of awards by individuals like Mark Loquan exemplified the resilience and dedication of those honored. Moreover, the calls for continued service, technological advancement, and community engagement suggest a hopeful future driven by commitment to national development and improvement. Recognizing the contributions of both the living and deceased ensures that the legacies of these awardees endure in the fabric of society.
Original Source: www.guardian.co.tt
