Presentation Ceremony of 2014 National Awards

TriniView.com Reporters
Updated: March 18, 2015

The Trinidad and Tobago Government celebrated its 52nd anniversary of National Independence in grand style on Sunday 31st August 2014, culminating with the Presentation Ceremony of National Awards hosted by His Excellency the Honourable Anthony Carmona, O.R.T.T., S.C., President of Trinidad and Tobago at Queen’s Hall, St. Ann’s, Port of Spain.

Queen’s Hall Lobby decorated in the national colours

The lobby had been decorated for the occasion with long banners in the national colours of red, white and black, elegantly wrapped around the tall pillars and accentuated with large fresh floral arrangements. The ceremony was due to start at 6:00 pm but invited guests began arriving after 4:00 pm. Guests included Government Ministers, foreign diplomats and various embassy ambassadors.

Ancil Valley accompanied by Mr Darren Shepherd perform the National Anthem

At 6:00 pm the ceremony began with the trumpeting herald of the military band as Their Excellencies, Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona and his wife Mrs. Reema Carmona, were escorted to the stage to join The Honourable Chief Justice Ivor Archie, O.R.T.T. and his wife, Mrs. Denise Archie, the Honourable Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar, S.C., M.P. and her husband, Dr. Gregory Bissessar.

The National Anthem was sung by singer/songwriter Ancil Valley to an accompaniment played by Mr. Darren Shepherd followed with an opening prayer by Brother Harripersad Maharaj, President of the Inter Religious Organization. The ceremony then commenced with most of the awardees on hand to personally receive their awards from the President.

(L) Professor Brinsley Samaroo received the Chaconia Medal, Gold

The first award to be handed out was the Chaconia Medal. This award is conferred for Long and Meritorious Service Tending to Promote the National Welfare or Strengthen the Community Spirit. The Chaconia Medal, Gold was awarded to Professor Brinsley Samaroo, Lecturer, Brigadier General Joseph Theodore, retired Chief of the Defence Staff (Posthumously), Ms. Joanne Theodore, his daughter, accepted the award on his behalf, Mr. Issa Nicholas, Entrepreneur/Bussinessman, Mrs. Rasheeda Ibrahim, Voluntary Social Worker, Attorney-at-Law, Dana Seetahal (Posthumously). An announcement was made that a representative of Ms. Seetahal’s family will accept the award at a later date.

(L) Pastor Clive Dottin receives his Chaconia Medal, Silver

The Chaconia Medal, Silver was presented next and was awarded Mr. Rudolph Charles (Posthumously), Pan Tuner and Innovator. Mr. Kenneth Charles, his brother accepted the award on his behalf. Mr Michael Ronald Als (Posthumously), Trade Unionist and Community Activist. Ms. Keisha Als, his daughter accepted the award on his behalf and Pastor Clive Dottin. The Chaconia Medal, Bronze was thereafter distributed.

(L) Mr. Gregorio Marchan, retired Engineer receives the Humming Bird Medal, Gold

The second award presented was The Humming Bird Medal. Recipients received this award for Loyal and Devoted Service to Trinidad and Tobago in Any Field of Human Endeavour or Gallantry. The Humming Bird Medal, Gold was the first to be distributed. Three of the awardees in this category were given the awards posthumously. Mr. John Soong accepted the award on behalf of his father Mr. Maurice Soong, Mrs. P. Chotilal accepted on behalf of her husband Mr. Bolan Ramdass Amar and Mrs. Ali accepted on behalf of her husband Mr. Azad Abass Ali. Mr. Gregorio Marchan was present to receive his award.

Mr. John Gillespie, Architect received The Humming Bird Medal, Silver

The Humming Bird Medal, Silver was awarded to Mr. John Gillespie, The Trinidad and Tobago React Team – 2496, Mr. Arthur Maul accepted the award on behalf of the team and Mr. Nicholas Seucharan. A tearful Mrs. Prematee Seucharan accepted the posthumous award on behalf of her son Nicholas. The Humming Bird Medal, Bronze, was presented next to the ten award recipients. Ms. M. Kerin accepted the award on behalf of Ms. Anisa Mohammed.

The Public Service Medal of Merit was the next award to be distributed. This medal is awarded for outstanding and meritorious service in the Public Services, the Defence and Protective Services or service with Statutory Bodies performing national functions. The Public Service Medal of Merit is awarded in Gold, Silver or Bronze.

Dr. Daphne Phillips received the Medal For The Development of Women Gold

The final award presented was the Medal For The Development Of Women, Gold. This award is given for Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Women’s Rights and Issues in Trinidad and Tobago. Among the awardees were Dr. Daphne Phillips who was recognized for her contribution through the spheres of Public Service and Education. Two organizations were also honoured with awards in this field. Ms. L. Burnia accepted the award on behalf of the Mary Care Centre and Mrs. Noel Kwan accepted the award on behalf of Women in Action for the Needy.

The Bishops Anstey High School Choir

Hereafter the award ceremony ended and a variety of entertainment followed. The Bishops Anstey High School Choir was the first to perform and after a spirited rendition of various local songs, they were followed by Ms. Daphne Ramlakhan who undertook to play the sitar accompanied by her father, Mr. Vishnu Ramlakhan on the dholak and Mr. Anand Maharaj on the tabla. Indian classical dancer Mrs. Susan Mohip was next and in her capacity as an instructor at the Academy for Performing Arts she took to the stage with some of her students. Renowned guitarists Mr. Stephen Roach and Mr. Franchesco Emmanuel played a distinctive guitar piece that featured a fusion between vintage and modern calypsos with a hint of Flamenco. The guests were then invited to partake in refreshments as the ceremony closed and the awardees made their way to the VIP lounge.

National Awards recipients

Mrs. Prematee Seucharan, mother of The Humming Bird, Silver recipient, Mr. Nicholas Seucharan was calm as she left the auditorium with her son’s award. She stated that she felt honoured to receive the award on behalf of her son though it was very hard and she described him as “a good son, as a brother to many.”  She added that he was deserving of this award saying “he was one of the best.”  She sadly recalled that he was very kind, loving, sweet to her and voiced her sadness at his early passing.

Pastor Dottin was another recipient who chatted about the evening’s event, saying that “he felt great and very humble.”  It was his view that God was blessing this nation but that there was still a great deal of work to do with regards to helping the youth of the nation.  He stated, “Right now we have to look at the young men in the society who have no fathers in their lives, no male figures and we have to be there for them. We are losing too many. We have thirteen and fifteen year olds being shot and gunned down and there is absolutely no excuse for that. We have to reach them and not just congregate ourselves afterwards.

All of us, every person, every business, every religion, every N.G.O., we have to come together on the east/west corridor on a wave of righteousness, on a wave of courage, in terms of going there because you can’t just move the young people from where they are to where you want them to be because they are trapped, they are imprisoned.  We have the issues of the gang leaders taking those young people and putting them in the most vulnerable position in the mafia/narco trade and we have to do our best to save them and the time to save them is now. The time to unite is now and a divided nation cannot fight crime.”  He then went on to solemnly add that “the killing of Dana Seetahal must not be lost upon us.”  He added that his prayers went out to her family at this difficult time.

Mrs. Jowelle De Souza, recipient of the Humming Bird Medal, Bronze

Mrs. Jowelle De Souza had received the Humming Bird Medal, Bronze for her work in animal rights activism. She admitted her happiness at receiving the award and offered advice to the youth to place more care for the animals. As she posed for pictures in a shimmering gold dress, she described her happiness of learning that the award was to be given to her for her work in animal care and conservation.  Her sentiment was that the recognition of animal welfare efforts in this way was very important since this year, 2014, is the United Nation’s Year of the Animals and it would inspire a higher standard of care locally for animal well-being.  She felt that the evening was wonderful and her favourite part of the ceremony was the Bishops Anstey High School Choir.

Mrs Daphne Phillips chatted about how “elated and honoured” she was to be conferred with this national token of achievement and despite medical complications which causes her to walk with a cane, she had come out to receive her award.

Reverend Daniel Teelucksingh, recipient of the Public Service Medal of Merit, Gold

Reverend Daniel Teelucksingh echoed his sentiments about receiving a national award, he also commented, “I shall not pass this way but once.  If there is any good that I can do for Trinidad and Tobago let me do it now.”  He saw the award as a symbol of appreciation and he added that the medal was not for him but rather, for all of the people of Trinidad and Tobago saying, “We are a great people, a wonderful people and this is a great celebration.”  His advice to the youth of Trinidad was that, “anything you want to achieve in this life you can.  Willpower, commitment and dedication is important if one wants to succeed. This is a land where anybody can succeed and it is great!  God bless Trinidad and Tobago.”

Mr. Ashford Joseph, recipient of the Humming Bird Medal, Bronze

Mr. Ashford Joseph was another recipient of the Humming Bird, Bronze for his contribution through the field of music.  He dedicated his award to “the number of persons who I’ve worked with over the years, especially the young people, to my family who have been head and foot with me because being involved in Culture, it takes a lot of time and my family has been behind me all the way, especially my wife.  I dedicate it to them and of course to persons who are blind or visually impaired.”  His advice to the youth was that, “Reading is knowledge and knowledge is power, so read a lot!”

National Awards recipients

This year’s National Awards reflected a multiplicity of professions across the national spectrum, from fishermen to businessmen, cosmetologists, athletes, musicians, educators, lawyers, architect, electrician, engineers and those with religious vocations to name a few.  Everyone there pronounced great satisfaction with how the evening had gone.

2014 National Award Recipients:

THE CHACONIA MEDAL (GOLD)

(This medal is awarded to any person who has performed long and meritorious service to Trinidad and Tobago tending to promote the national welfare or strengthen the community spirit.)

Name: Professor Brinsley Samaroo
Status: Lecturer
in the Sphere of: Education/Public Service

Name: Brigadier General Joseph Theodore (Posthumous) – (His daughter, Ms. J. Theodore accepted the award)
Status: Retired Chief of Defence Staff
in the Sphere of: Military Service

Name: Mr. Issa Nicholas
Status: Entrepreneur/ Businessman
in the Sphere of:Business

Name: Mrs. Rasheeda Ibrahim
Status: Voluntary Social Worker
in the Sphere of: Community Service

Name: Ms. Dana Seetahal (Posthumous)
Status: Attorney-at-Law
in the Sphere of: Law

THE CHACONIA MEDAL (SILVER)

Name: Mr. Rudolph Charles (Posthumous) – (Kenneth Charles, his brother accepted the award)
Status: Pan Tuner/Innovator
in the Sphere of: Culture/ Community Service

Name: Mr. Michael Ronald Als (Posthumous)
Status: Trade Unionist/Community Activist
in the Sphere of: Community Service

Name: Pastor Clive Dottin
Status: Pastor
in the Sphere of: Religion/Education/ Community Service

THE CHACONIA MEDAL (BRONZE)

Name: Pastor Winston Mansingh
Status: Pastor
in the Sphere of: Religion/Community Service

Name: Rt. Rev. Bishop Adlyn Williams-St. Louis
Status: Minister of Religion
in the Sphere of: Religion/Community Service

Name: Ms. Velma Jardine
Status: Educator
in the Sphere of: Education

THE HUMMING BIRD MEDAL (GOLD)

(This medal is awarded to any person 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.)

Name: Mr. Maurice Soong (Posthumous) – (John Soong, his son accepted the award)
Status: Businessman
in the Sphere of: Business

Name: Mr. Bolan Ramdass Amar (Posthumous) – (Mrs. P. Chotilal, his wife accepted the award)
Status: Businessman
in the Sphere of: Business/Community Service

Name: Mr. Azad Abass Ali (Posthumous) – (Mrs. Ali, his wife accepted the award)
Status: Businessman
in the Sphere of: Business/Community Service

Name: Mr. Gregorio Marchan
Status: Retired Engineer
in the Sphere of: Community Service

HUMMING BIRD MEDAL (SILVER)

Name: Mr. John Gillespie
Status: Architect
in the Sphere of: Architecture

Name: The Trinidad and Tobago React Team – 2496 – (Mr. Arthur Maul accepted the award)
Status: Provider of two-way Radio Communication
in the Sphere of: Community Service

Name: Mr. Nicholas Seucharan (Posthumous) – (Mrs. Prematee Seucharan accepted the award on behalf of her son)
Status: Electrician
in the Sphere of: Gallantry

HUMMING BIRD MEDAL (BRONZE)

Name: Mr. Michael Jack
Status: Fisherman
in the Sphere of: Gallantry

Name: Mr. Winston Ayers
Status: Fisherman
in the Sphere of: Gallantry

Name: Mr. Subesh Ramjattan
Status: Businessman
in the Sphere of: Community Service

Name: Mrs. Joan Seudat
Status: Cosmetologist
in the Sphere of: Business

Name: Miss Anisa Mohammed – (Ms. M. Kerin accepted the award)
Status: Cricketer
in the Sphere of: Sport

Name: Mr. Ashford Joseph
Status: Music
in the Sphere of: Culture

Name: Mr. Rudolph Sitahal
Status: Music
in the Sphere of: Culture

Name: Mr. Jameer Hosein
Status: Singer
in the Sphere of: Culture

Name: Mrs. Jowelle De Souza
Status: Activist for Animal Welfare
in the Sphere of: Community Service

Name: Pundit Nandram Dan Maharaj
Status: Pundit
in the Sphere of: Community Service

PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL OF MERIT (GOLD)

(This medal is awarded for outstanding and meritorious service in the Public Services, the Defence and Protective Services or service with Statutory Bodies performing national functions.)

Name: Dr. Gordon Narayansingh
Status: Medical Practitioner
in the Sphere of: Medicine

Name: Mrs. Jennifer Boucaud-Blake
Status: Retired Permanent Secretary
in the Sphere of: Public Service

Name: Mr. John Pilgrim Rougier
Status: Retired Commissioner of Prisons
in the Sphere of: Public Service

Name: Dr. Allan Irving Mc Kenzie
Status: Retired Principal
in the Sphere of: Education

Name: Major Fr. Matthew Hugh Ahye – (Fr. Ferdinand Warner OP accepted the award)
Status: Priest/Defence Force Chaplain
in the Sphere of: Religion/Public Service

Name: Rev. Daniel Teelucksingh
Status: Former Independent Senator and Educator
in the Sphere of: Religion/Community Service

PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL OF MERIT (SILVER)

Name: Dr. Brader Adaleine Brathwaite
Status: Retired Senior Lecturer
in the Sphere of: Education

Name: Mr. Clyde Sylvester Forde
Status: Retired Public Servant
in the Sphere of: Sport

PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL OF MERIT (BRONZE)

Name: Mr. Harold Nemai
Status: Retired Public Servant
in the Sphere of: Public & Community Service

Name: Mr. Earl Skeete
Status: Retired Police Officer
in the Sphere of: Sport

Name: Mr. Irving Hoosainie
Status: Retired Principal
in the Sphere of: Public Service

MEDAL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF WOMEN (GOLD)

(This medal is awarded for Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Women’s Rights and Issues in Trinidad and Tobago)

Name: Mrs. Helen Tara Persad-Maharaj
Status: Attorney-at-Law
in the Sphere of: Community Service

Name: Dr. Daphne Phillips
Status: Retired Educator & Former Minister of Government
in the Sphere of: Public Service & Education

Name: Mary Care Centre -(Ms. L. Burnia accepted the award)
Status: Organization
in the Sphere of: Community Service

Name: Mrs. Debrah Lewis
Status: Midwife
in the Sphere of: Community Service & Midwifery

Name: Sister Hemlata Sanghi
Status: President of Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre
in the Sphere of: Community Service

Name: Women in Action for the Needy and Destitute -(Mrs. Noel Kwan accepted the award)
Status: Organisation
in the Sphere of: Community Service

Independence National Awards 2014 in pictures
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