On Republic Day, the President’s House in Port-of-Spain hosted a ceremony honoring 65 nationals awarded for their exemplary contributions to Trinidad and Tobago. Notable awardees included Mark Loquan, who emotionally received the Order of the Republic, and Professor Patrick Hosein who advocated for technological advancement in the country. The event highlighted the importance of service and aimed to inspire continued civic engagement and development.
On Republic Day, the focus shifted to honor the positive contributions of exemplary individuals, showcasing their achievements before a backdrop of celebration at the President’s House in Port-of-Spain. A total of 65 nationals were awarded, recognizing their remarkable services across various fields including culture, the arts, sports, public service, and medicine. The ceremony, which marked the 55th edition of national awards despite the nation’s 48 years of republicanism, featured a notable change whereby secondary school students read the biographies of the awardees. A particularly emotional moment occurred when Mark Loquan, former President of the National Gas Company, was overwhelmed with tears as he received the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. His struggle with brain cancer left him wheelchair-bound, making this recognition a poignant highlight of his accomplished career. In reflection of the honor, Loquan expressed gratitude, stating, “It’s very rewarding when you get recognized,” emphasizing the warmth he felt from the nation. Other awardees included Professor Patrick Hosein, who dedicated his technology and engineering award to his mother. Hosein, who returned to Trinidad from the United States to assist students and foster research, shared his aspirations for the local technology industry to advance more rapidly, calling for improved data collection mechanisms. The ceremony also acknowledged former police commissioners James Philbert and Stephen Williams, who received Chaconia Silver Medals. Philbert highlighted the necessity for expedited modernization within the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, particularly in the adoption of body cameras. Additionally, Duvone Stewart, a recipient of the Hummingbird medal silver, advocated for the integration of the steelpan into school music programs, believing it could contribute positively to societal issues like crime reduction. He remarked, “This instrument is the key to solving crime in Trinidad and Tobago.” Karen Darbasie, awarded Chaconia Gold for her extensive banking career, mentioned the significance of being recognized in a family of public servants, reflecting, “It is very touching for me to be considered for this award.” The celebration also honored six individuals posthumously, acknowledging their contributions to the nation’s fabric. This ceremony not only recognized individual excellence but also served as a call to continued service and improvement within Trinidad and Tobago.
The national awards in Trinidad and Tobago are a prestigious recognition bestowed upon citizens who have exhibited exceptional service to the country. The annual event celebrates achievements across various sectors, reinforcing the importance of civic contribution to national development. This particular year’s ceremony was noteworthy for its emotional displays of gratitude and the involvement of students, marking a reformed approach to the proceedings. Furthermore, the awards generate public discourse around the acceleration of development in key areas such as technology, policing, and societal engagement through culture, particularly in the arts like music education.
The national awards ceremony highlighted the significant contributions of sixty-five outstanding individuals in Trinidad and Tobago, celebrating their commitment to service despite personal and professional challenges. The event served not only as a recognition of past achievements but also as an encouragement for ongoing contributions in diverse fields. Many awardees expressed a desire to further assist the nation in various capacities, indicating a collective commitment to progress and a brighter future for Trinidad and Tobago.
Original Source: www.guardian.co.tt
