As I share a special moment with Trinity Cross Awardees King of Mas, Peter Minshall (1996) and Miss Universe Janelle Penny Commission (1977) at the National Award ceremony of 2018 when I received the Gold Medal for Development of Women/Journalism, I congratulate this year’s national award recipients.
Penny was one of five women awardees in 1977, and Mrs Borde one of six in 1973. The first woman of colour to win the Miss Universe Crown, Penny was the second woman to receive the Trinity Cross, after Mrs. Mary Kwailan La Borde who shared it with her husband Charles Harold La Borde who circumnavigated the world twice.
COVID 29-Team among 17 Women Awardees
Seventeen women are on the 2022 National Awards list which sees awards to the lead members of the team that guided our country through the excruciating uncertainties of the COVDI-19 Pandemic over the last two years.
Two women will receive the National Medal for the Development of Women. Both are associates of the Network of NGOs for Women, founded by Hazel Brown , who passed away on Friday. Brown’s life work has been championing social justice and equality for women. (Stay tuned for special tribute and a reflection of the gender movement). The 17 women on the awards list represent just about 25 percent of those who receive national commendation this year.
Doctor and Banker top list for Order of Trinidad and Tobago
(In images above, Dr Kris Rampersad with Trinity Cross Recipients, Maxwell Richards (1970 & 2003) and Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott (1993 who also received the Hummingbird Medal Gold in 1969).
The Trinity Cross has since been renamed the Order of Trinidad and Tobago to accommodate the country’s ethnic, cultural and religious diversity.
This year, the ‘cool like Gokool’ Chief Medical Officer, Dr Roshan Parasram will receive the highest award, the Order of Trinidad and Tobago, alongside banker Sterling Frost, while his public health leadership team received the second highest, Chaconia Medal Gold. The team were the front line presenters of updates while administering and managing the COVID-19 process. The recipients are: Dr Avery Hinds, Technical Director, Epidemiology Division, Ministry of Health, Dr Michelle Trotman, National Covid-19 Coordinator and Lecturer, University of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Maryam Abdool-Richards, Principal Medical Officer, Ministry of Health, Professor Christine Carrington, Professor of Molecular Genetics and Virology,
Educator, Professor Betty McDonald, Head of the Professional Development Unit of Teaching, Learning and Instructional Support, University of Trinidad and Tobago, will also receive Chaconia Gold.
Development of Women
Gia Gaspard Taylor of the Network of Rural Development and a stalwart of the gender national gender empowerment movement, and Gabrielle Hosein, senior lecturer at the UWI Institute for Gender And Development Studies, will receive medals for the Development of Women.
It is awarded to any person for outstanding contribution to the development of women’s rights and issues.
This specific award to recognise the achievements of women for contributions to working towards gender equality at national level was a recommendation we made to the then administration in 2010 and was implements in 2011. In the decade since its introduction some 30 women have been so honoured, including myself in 2018 for Development of Women and contribution to journalism.
The first recipients were pioneering women whose work reflect service for ‘the development of women.
Among them were Hazel Brown, Brenda Gopeesingh and Diana Mahabir Wyatt, in a year that also saw, former First Lady Zalayhar Hassanali as the recipient of the Order of the Trinidad and Tobago.
I will elaborate on this in a special tribute for Hazel Brown with whom I collaborated closely over more than three decades, and a decade as International Relations Director of the Network. Condolences to the many who mourn her, her friends and family.
16 Hummingbird Gold, No Women
Machel Montano along with 15 others receives the Humming Medal Gold for entertainment, entrepreneurship and philanthropy in the sphere of culture . See full list below.
Some titbit on the Republic
Republic Day marks the Day Trinidad and Tobago replaced the British colonial Governor with a President. Read more about colonial legacy here and make contact to support this initiative.
Read about Her Majesty meets the Maharani
Dear Lizzie, RIP Colonial Legacy in Lilbits Letters to Lizzie morphs into Multimedia MicroEpic
The Award ceremony was shifted to Republic Day in 2017 by then President Anthony Carmona in recognition that the awards were presented in the name of the President as Head of State who replaced the colonial governor appointed by the Queen when Trinidad and Tobago gained Republican status in 1976. From 1969 to 2017, the awards were conferred on Independence Day.
The curious may wish to know that Trinidad and Tobago became a Republic on August 1, 1976. The day we commemorate as Republic Day on September 24 is the date the first Parliament was convened under the new Republican Constitution. Trinidad and Tobago became Independent on August 1, 1962. To engage with the complexities of this and the relationship to Britain and colonial world see recent postings.
The list of 2022 National Awardees is below, with the women recipients in bold.
National Awardees for 2022
The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Dr Roshan Parasram, Chief Medical Officer, In the Sphere of Public Health
Professor Sterling Frost, Banker, In the Spheres of Banking, Education and Community Service
(In images above, Dr Kris Rampersad with Nobel Laureate Sir Vidia Naipaul. Sir Vidya received the Trinity Cross in 1989 Hummingbird Medal Gold in 1970.
The Chaconia Medal, GOLD
Mr Balliram Maharaj, Businessman, In the Spheres of Business and Community Service
Professor Betty McDonald, Head, Professional Development Unit: Teaching, Learning and Instructional Support, University of Trinidad and Tobago, Tamana Campus, In the Sphere of Education
Mr Ramdeo Boondoo, Farmer, In the Sphere of Agriculture
Dr Avery Hinds, Technical Director, Epidemiology Division, Ministry of Health, In the Sphere of Leadership in Public Health Service
Dr Michelle Trotman, National Covid-19 Coordinator and Lecturer, University of Trinidad and Tobago, In the Sphere of Leadership in Public Health Service
Dr Maryam Abdool-Richards, Principal Medical Officer, Ministry of Health, In the Sphere of Leadership in Public Health Service
Professor Christine Carrington, Professor of Molecular Genetics and Virology, In the Spheres of Leadership in Molecular Genetics and Virology
The Medal for the Development of Women, GOLD
To any person for outstanding contribution to the development of women’s rights and issues.
Dr Gabrielle Hosein, Senior Lecturer, Institute for Gender And Development Studies University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, In the Spheres of Public Education, and Advocacy
Mrs Gia Gaspard-Taylor, President of the Network of Rural Women Producers of Trinidad and Tobago, In the Spheres of Public Service
The Chaconia Medal, SILVER
Professor Emeritus Gordon Rohlehr, Professor, In the Spheres of Literature, Culture, History and Education
Mr Jarrette Narine, Retired Politician, In the Sphere of Public Service
Mrs Joycelyn Hackshaw, Retired Registered Nurse, In the Spheres of Nursing, Healthcare and Public Service
Mr Victor Edwards, Artistic Director And Playwright, In the Spheres of Theatre, Culture and Education
Ms Hazel Franco, Dance Coordinator, University of West Indies (Retired), In the Sphere of Performing Arts
Mrs Rudylynn DeFour-Roberts, Restoration Architect, In the Sphere of Built Heritage Conservation and Preservation
Ms Claire Gittens, Social Worker, In the Sphere of Social Work
The Chaconia Medal, BRONZE
Professor Emeritus Edgar Julian Duncan, Professor, In the Spheres of Education and Research
The Humming Bird Medal, GOLD
Dr Alfredo Walker, Forensic Pathologist, In the Sphere of Medicine
Professor Kit Fai Pun, Professor of Industrial Engineering, In the Spheres of Engineering Education and Research
Mr Martin Terry Rondon, Councillor, In the Sphere of Community Service
Mr Clement Lue Yat, Hair Stylist, In the Sphere of Hair Styling
Dr Jerome Teelucksingh, Lecturer, In the Spheres of Education and Volunteerism
Mr Lenny Kumar, Wireline Operator Cultural Ambassador, In the Sphere of Culture
Mr Machel Montano, Entertainer/Entrepreneur/Philanthropist, In the Sphere of Culture
Mr Michael Phillips, Managing Director, In the Sphere of Sport
Dr Primnath Gooptar, Part-time Lecturer, In the Spheres of Culture and Education
Mr Nicholas Paul, Athlete (Cyclist), In the Sphere of Sport (Cycling)
Mr Jereem “The Dream” Richards, Professional Athlete (Sprinter), In the Sphere of Sport (Track)
Mr Machel Cedenio, Athlete, In the Sphere of Sport (Track)
Mr Asa Guevara, Athlete, In the Sphere of Sport (Track)
Mr Dwight St. Hillaire, Athlete, In the Sphere of Sport (Track)
Mr Kashief King, Athlete, In the Sphere of Sport (Track)
Mr Che Lara, Athlete, In the Sphere of Sport (Track)
The Humming Bird Medal, SILVER
Mrs Marilyn Gordon, Retired, In the Spheres of Sport, Education and Politics
Dr Marina Salandy-Brown, President of Bocas Lit Fest, In the Spheres of Arts and Literacy Advocacy
Mr Walid Baksh, Retired Teacher, In the Spheres of Community Service, Culture and Education
Mr Anthony Lalacksingh, Retired Assistant Manager, In the Sphere of Sport (Cricket)
Ms Charmaine A. Archer, Retired Sport Coordinator in Education Unit, Tobago House of Assembly, In the Sphere of Sport (Netball)
Pundit Gurudutt Haresh Maharaj, Pundit (Hindu Spiritual Priest), In the Spheres of Culture, Religion and Spirituality
Mr Mark John also known as (Contender) Calypsonian, In the Sphere of Cultural Development
Mr Neil (Iwer) George, Entertainer, In the Sphere of Entertainment
Mr Sedley Joseph, also known as (Penguin) (Posthumously) Calypsonian/Cultural Administrator/Educator, In the Spheres of Calypsonian/Arts Administration/Education
Mr Ulric Haynes, Retired, In the Sphere of Sport
Ms Vanessa Forde, Retired Teacher, In the Sphere of Culture
Mr Joseph Vautor-La Placelière (Mighty Lingo), Handycraft Worker and Part-time Entertainer, In the Sphere of Culture
Mr Kion Benjamin, Athlete, In the Sphere of Sport (Track)
Mr Eric Harrison Jr, Athlete, In the Sphere of Sport (Track)
Mr Jerod Elcock, Athlete, In the Sphere of Sport (Track)
Mr Akanni Hislop, Athlete, In the Sphere of Sport (Track)
Mr Kyle Greaux, Athlete, In the Sphere of Sport (Track)
The Humming Bird Medal, BRONZE
Mr Evans Hinds, Security Officer, In the Sphere of Gallantry
Master Gregg Mannette, Secondary School Student, In the Sphere of Gallantry
Mr Otis Morrison (Posthumously), Boat Engineer, In the Sphere of Gallantry
Mr Noris Ferguson, Pensioner, In the Sphere of Sport
The Public Service Medal of Merit, GOLD
Mr Rudolph Gordon, Teacher/Principal (Retired), In the Spheres of Education and Community Work
Miss Esme Raphael, Director, In the Sphere of Cooperative and Credit Union Development
Major General (Retired) Kenrick Maharaj, Chief of Defence Staff, In the Sphere of Defence and National Security
Major General (Retired) Rodney Smart, Chief Executive Officer, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management, In the Spheres of Defence and National Security
Rear Admiral (Retired) Hayden Pritchard, Consultant, In the Spheres of Defence and National Security
The Public Service Medal of Merit, SILVER
Mrs Sandra Tamby-Russell, Special Education, Teacher/Consultant, In the Spheres of Education and Rehabilitation Training
Mr Vel Lewis, Retired Permanent Secretary, In the Spheres of Public Service/Heritage Preservation
About the National Awards
(From Office of the President)
There are five (5) categories and thirteen (13) classes of National Awards:
- The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (formerly The Trinity Cross Medal of the Order of the Trinity) in Gold only
- The Chaconia Medal in Gold, Silver and Bronze
- The Hummingbird Medal in Gold, Silver and Bronze
- The Public Service Medal of Merit in Gold, Silver and Bronze
- The Medal for the Development of Women in Gold, Silver and Bronze
Every citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, on being awarded a National Award, becomes a Member of The Distinguished Society of Trinidad and Tobago of which the President is Chancellor. Every non-citizen, on being awarded a National Award, becomes an Honorary Member of the Distinguished Society.
Only citizens of Trinidad and Tobago are eligible for the award of the Public Service Medal of Merit. Non-citizens are eligible for all other awards.
All National Awards may be awarded posthumously, but a deceased recipient does not become a Member of the Distinguished Society.
THE ORDER OF THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago may be awarded to any person (citizen as well as non-citizen) who has rendered distinguished and outstanding service to Trinidad and Tobago. It may be awarded posthumously, but a deceased recipient does not become a member of the Society. It shall be awarded only in Gold.
The maximum number of awards in any one year shall be five (5).
THE CHACONIA MEDAL
The Chaconia Medal may be awarded to any person (citizen as well as non-citizen) who has performed long and meritorious service to Trinidad and Tobago tending to promote the national welfare or strengthen the community spirit. It may be awarded posthumously, but a deceased recipient does not become a member of the Society. It may be awarded in Gold, Silver or Bronze in accordance with the assessed value of the service rendered.
The maximum number of awards in any one year shall be ten (10).
THE HUMMING BIRD MEDAL
The Hummingbird Medal may be awarded to any person (citizen as well as non-citizen) who has rendered loyal and devoted service beneficial to Trinidad and Tobago in any field of human endeavour or for gallantry or other humane action. It may be awarded posthumously, but a deceased recipient does not become a member of the Society. It may be awarded in Gold, Silver or Bronze in accordance with the assessed level of the service rendered.
The maximum number of awards in any one year shall be fifteen (15).
THE PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL OF MERIT
The Public Service Medal of Merit may be awarded to citizens only for outstanding and meritorious service in the Public Services, the Defence and Protective Services or service with Statutory Bodies performing national functions. It may be awarded posthumously, but a deceased recipient does not become a member of the Society. It may be awarded in Gold, Silver or Bronze according to the length or merit of the services rendered.
There is no limit to the number of awards in any one year.
THE MEDAL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF WOMEN
The Medal for the Development of Women is awarded to any person for outstanding contribution to the development of women’s rights and issues. It may be awarded in Gold, Silver or Bronze in accordance with the assessed value of the service rendered.
The maximum number of awards in any one year shall be ten (10).
About Dr Kris Rampersad
Dr Kris Rampersad is an award winning journalist, innovator, educator and sometimes scholar, with a PhD in Literatures in English, a UNESCO-trained heritage educator/facilitator, National Geographic certified educator, global Woman Tech Makers’ Ambassador and Worldpulse/Google Digital Ambassador. read more here.
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