THREE academics are awarded the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for 2023.
They are Professor Clement Imbert, Professor John Agard and Dr Pathmanathan Umaharan.
Posthumous awards go to the late calypsonian Singing Francine and heroic 11-year-old Rachel Bhagwandeen who gave her life to save her sibling from a dangerous dog attack.
Commentator and former cricketer Samuel Badree and current vice president of Cricket West Indies Azim Bassarath are also recipients. See full list below:
N A T I O N A L A W A R D S, 2023
The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is awarded to:
Professor Clement Imbert currently serves at the University of the West Indies as University Professor (Emeritus) in Mechanical /Metallurgical Engineering.
As part of both the engineering and education fraternity, he was able to use his knowledge to assist in securing accreditation for the local engineering fraternity.
He has worked on several boards including the University of Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute and the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago.
Professor Imbert has contributed significantly to the development of the steelpan. He is co-founder of the UWI Steelpan Development Centre, and a member of the team that developed the G-Pan.
Professor John Agard is the Executive Director of the Global Institute for Climate-Smart and Resilient Development at the University of the West Indies.
His research is widely recognized regionally and internationally, from natural resources management, water quality, marine and terrestrial ecology to the impact of climate change on natural and human systems.
Professor Agard served as Co-Chair to a group of independent scientists appointed by the United Nation’s Secretary-General to draft the second quadrennial Global Sustainable Development Report in 2023.
His vision is that of a society which recognizes other forms of wealth including biodiversity that exist beyond the limit of GDP.
Dr Pathmanathan Umaharan, is the Director of the Cocoa Research Centre at the University of the West Indies.
As Director, Prof Umaharan oversaw the conversion of the Cocoa Research Unit into a full-fledged Campus Centre.
His research projects resulted in genetic approaches to overcome losses associated with disease, and improving tolerance to climate change. This has led the way to the development of the first molecular breeding programme in cocoa, a global DNA fingerprinting service, a quality certification service & the improvement of cocoa quality.
Through his efforts the University of the West Indies has now been named by the European Union as the top cocoa research institution globally.
The Chaconia Medal may be awarded for Long and Meritorious Service/ tending to promote national welfare / or strengthen community spirit in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Click here for list of 2022 National Awards
Click here for list of 2021 National Awards
Click here for list of 2020 National Awards
Click here for list of 2019 National Awards
The Chaconia Medal, GOLD
Dr. Bruce Paddington is the founder and co-owner of Banyan Productions Trinidad and Tobago.
Banyan is an award-winning pioneering media production and consultancy company, servicing the Caribbean and international markets in the areas of television documentaries, dramas and public awareness campaigns on cultural, social, and development issues.
Dr. Paddington formed the Mucurapo Schools Community Project providing audiovisual materials for Fatima College, Mucurapo Senior Comprehensive and Mucurapo Junior Secondary School. By utilizing the production facilities of Banyan, he was able to produce video materials such as a series on Spanish language teaching. The project was so successful that it was absorbed into the Television and Audio-Visual Unit of the Ministry of Education. Mr. Paddington became the Director and the unit produced several valuable programmes on authors such as Derek Walcott and George Lamming along with groundbreaking recordings of interviews with vintage artists such as Growling Tiger.
Dr. Paddington produced hundreds of Educational Audio-Visual materials developing the history and literature surrounding cinema in the region, training aspiring filmmakers and providing a platform upon which they can have their work shown and developed through workshops and seminars at film festivals.
Dr. Jacqueline Sharpe is currently a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Ministry of Health Trinidad and Tobago and Director of the Child Guidance Clinic.
Dr. Sharpe has been a pioneer in providing psychiatric and psychological services to children and their families in Trinidad and Tobago. She established the Child Psychiatry Service of Trinidad and Tobago and heads the only full time Child Guidance Clinic, providing evaluation and treatment for children and adolescents and their families.
In addition to direct clinical services, she provides indirect service which includes liaison work with primary, secondary and special schools, children’s homes, as well as the Family Court and the Student Support Services Division of the Ministry of Education.
Mr. Langston Roach is a past Director of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association.As a past Director of the TTMA, Mr. Roach brought valuable insights and expertise to the organization. He was always willing to share his knowledge and experience, acting as a mentor to many small to medium size enterprises. Even as a current member, Mr. Roach continues to show his commitment to the TTMA and the wider community through his sponsorship of numerous events and initiatives.
Mr. Roach has been described as consummate entrepreneur, philanthropist, mentor and patriot.
Mr. Sieunarine Coosal has successfully led his team to be recognized as one of the leading Construction Companies / Contractors in Trinidad and Tobago.
In his efforts to honour his Corporate Social Responsibility, he continues to partner with communities, schools and learning institutions and by extension, facilitated ventures geared to assist in the development of the social fabric. To that end, he has collaborated with the Mission of Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army.
The Chaconia Medal, SILVER:
Mr. Ainsworth Mohammed as the leader of Exodus Steel Orchestra since 1999, has led the band to success at National, Regional and International Panorama and Music Festival competitions.
The Steelband has toured extensively to all continents of the globe ‘preaching’ the gospel of Pan. Mr. Mohammed has also established a Junior School, Exocubs, for 100 students ranging in age from 5 to 21. He has designed and singularly managed the upgrade of Exodus’ Pan Theatre in 2021/22.
Mr. Mohammed is among the longest serving managers in the Steelband Movement and is often hailed in Steelband circles as the best Administrator in the industry The band is known for its wholesome discipline and community spirit, but more than that, Mr. Mohammed has expanded his expertise to other Steel Orchestras in being a founding Director of the International Steelband Foundation which produces the Big 5 Steelband Concerts.
Dr. Calvin Inalsingh (Posthumously) was a former president of the Princess Elizabeth Home. Under his stewardship, the Home went from a facility that encompassed not just the medical and physical needs of the children but also their educational needs.
Dr. Inalsingh was also a Medical Director and member of the Red Cross Society. He gave many years of voluntary service and used his influence in the community to encourage others to offer their service to those less fortunate.
Dr. Inalsingh was an avid sports person and served as the team doctor for the Trinidad and Tobago National team.at the Pan American games, the Commonwealth games, the Caribbean and Central American games and the 1984 Olympic games in Los AngelesDr. Inalsingh served as the Chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Boxing Board of Control from 1993 to 1996 and as vice chairman of the medical advisory committee of the world boxing association.
Mr. Carlos Hee Houng joined the Economic Studies and Planning Unit of the Industrial Development Corporation in 1972 and between 1975 -1978, served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Co-ordinating Task Force that had responsibility for activities related to development of the Point Lisas Industrial Estate.
Following the investment decision on the FERTRIN project (1978), Mr. Hee Houng returned to energy sector operations joining FERTRIN, serving as the company’s Project Coordinating Officer during the engineering and construction period. He was appointed as a Government representative of FERTRIN’s Technical Advisory Group, (1978-1981).
Ms. Francine Edwards (Posthumously) better known as Singing Francine was well known in the Calypso arena, where she was able to hold her own and gain prominence in a male-dominated field.
Over her 51-year career Singing Francine used the medium of calypso to champion the female cause in the calypso arena, seeking to place women’s issues on the front burner through the medium of calypso… She was Calypso Queen in 1973, 1981 and 1983.
Singing Francine also used her melodious voice to comment on other topical issues or to help her audience find a deeper meaning to life. Francine’s style has always been to make her audiences listen to her lyrics above the melody. Even in her up-tempo calypsos such as ‘Carnival Fever’ and ‘Cool It Down’, there was always a storyline, the very essence of the art form.
Mr. George Leacock was tasked with setting up the first Division of Sport in Tobago. With limited resources, over a nine-year period, his achievements included the creation of elite athlete programs at the division that led to the success of athletes across the island in National and International competitions.
Mr. Leacock’s combined experiences as a player, coach, and administrator, with a special knack for event management, have led to a series of appointments to execute large sporting events on the island. These include the opening of the Dwight Yorke Stadium, the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and the CARIFTA Games. The FIFA tournament received thirty-nine of forty possible points for event management.
The CARIFTA games, which Tobago managed on six weeks’ notice after the original hosts defaulted, are on record as the first in the history of the games to run to a time script. Mr. Leacock was the Chairman of a Task Force to deliver the Tobago leg of the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games which he achieved with resounding success.
Dr. Radica Mahase is distinguished as an educator and historian. She has published extensively in the field of History, specializing in Indian Indentureship and Culture of Trinidad and Tobago. She also co-authored a textbook on Caribbean History which is widely used throughout the Caribbean.
Dr. Mahase has also created opportunities for autistic persons through the establishment of Rahul’s Clubhouse, an Autism centre located in Gopaul Lands, Marabella. This is a one-of-its-kind centre; both autistic children and young adults, can participate in sensory-oriented programmes, tailored to their specific needs.
Dr. Mahase founded an NGO solely based on the concept of volunteerism. She has focused on youth and so far, has trained approximately 350 youth volunteers between the age of 10 to 30 years to work with autistic persons.
In 1988, Mr. Rishi Lakhan was elected as the 1st. President of the St. James Working Council and successfully organized the very 1st St. James Children Carnival which is now in its 35th Year. That same year he designed and spearheaded the Novel Christmas decorative street lighting across the Western Main Road in St. James which was adopted by communities across Trinidad and Tobago.
In 1993, as the Councillor for the Electoral District of St. James East on the Port-of-Spain City Council Mr. Lakhan was instrumental in the formation and establishment of the St. James/Cocorite Hosay Association and successfully lobbied the Ministry of Community Development on behalf of the Association.
As a manager of his own retail business establishment in St. James in 1981, his mobilization of the St. James Business community and his vibrant advocacy to call for the amendment to the ordinance for 24- hour shopping was successful and benefitted the entire country.
St James is now known as the city that does not sleep.
Professor Surujpal ‘Paul’ Teelucksingh is a Professor of Medicine at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine Campus.
He has played a key role in the development of national and regional monographs on a variety of diseases including Dengue, Diabetes, Obesity and Malaria.
Prof. Teelucksingh has received multiple accolades for his pioneering work and groundbreaking research in medical education locally with the introduction of the Objective Structured Clinical Examination in 1998. These examinations helped reengineer the medical curriculum across the UWI campuses and have been used as a template by other institutions as a model and example of clinical excellence, quality and assurance.
The Humming Bird Medal may be awarded for Loyal and Devoted Service / in any field of human endeavour / or for gallantry / or other humane action / to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Humming Bird Medal, GOLD:
Mr. Azamuddin Khan excelled in all levels of Scout Leadership training completing three levels of Scout leadership training culminating in the award of his Wood Badge Beads which is the highest level of scout leadership training.
Mr. Khan gave back his knowledge and experience to the youth of Trinidad and Tobago for a further 20 years by joining up with the National Training Team. Mr. Khan demonstrated resilience, durability, dedication, and all the components of good management.
Mr. Khan rose to the top of scouting to be the National Scout Commissioner in charge of scouting in Trinidad and Tobago and held that portfolio for 6 years.
Mr. Azim Bassarath has fostered and grown Youth Development Cricket Programmes at every age level.
He has contributed to the Expansion of Women’s Cricket Development, assisting in building girls’ participation at the various schools and national levels.
He has reached out to rural communities by implementing Cricket Caravans to geographical areas such as Toco, Cedros and Tobago to unearth new talent.
He has been successful in transforming Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board into a modern organization by introducing up-to-date technology and cricket techniques.
Under his tenure international players such as Keiron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran and Anisa Mohammed have come to the forefront.
Mrs. Carol Ann Birchwood James has spent thirty-three (33) years in the Tourism Sector in Tobago.
Mrs. James was President of the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association from 2007 to 2011 and Vice President from August 2011 to March 2023.
Mrs. James has served as a member of the Tourism Development Company from 2011 to 2015 serving as a member of the Finance Committee, and the Marketing representative on the Board.
She also served as a member of the Tobago Standing Committee which was established to increase visitor arrivals on the island and to address the impact on Tobago’s tourism and its stakeholders.
During her tenure The Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association started its own road shows to Trinidad. She was a fierce advocate for tourism stakeholders and her contribution was recognized by State agencies in Tobago.
Shihan Marva John Logan also known as Sister Hanifah is a Social Worker, Mediator, Youth and Community Advocate, Martial Arts Practitioner and a Social Change Agent.
Her passion and devotion for people led to the birth of Ryu Dan Dojo Empowerment Centre in 2013.
Shihan Marva has developed Ryu Dan’s Sports Plus Model, an innovative cognitive-behaviour modification approach that uses martial arts as a vehicle for change.
Shihan Marva was very instrumental in establishing a platform for Muslim sisters called “Sister Sister” which seeks to address everyday issues such as Domestic Violence, Mental Health, finances and education.
She has also been providing female migrants & locals with entrepreneurial and soft skills training through her “Support, Educate, Empower Women “program for the last 6 years.
Mr. Reynold Howard as a Tent Manager/Owner -provided opportunities for local composers and performers to present their work to local and international audiences. His purchase of Semp Record Pressing Plant in the 1980’s significantly reduced the time and cost of record production for Trinidad and Tobago recording artistes.
As a Founding Member of the Copyright Organization of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Howard facilitated access of the nation’s music creators to protection of their work and receipt of royalties due to them.
Mr. Howard is a pioneer of Parang Soca, now an established genre of music. His recording and distribution of Daisy Voisin’s “Parang Queen” introduced the world to the music of Trinidad & Tobago’s greatest exponent of traditional Parang music.
Mr Richard Escalante taught Public Sector Officers at the Central Training Unit- Ministry of Public Administration from 1993 to 1998 and has rendered 30 years of service to the University of the West Indies St. Augustine teaching E-Government and Public Information Systems at the Undergrad and Post Grad Programmes. Since 2006, he has also taught E-Governance for Small Developing States at Cave Hill.
He is the author of several peer-reviewed articles and six books on the History of Media in the Oil Industry, Telecommunications and Socio-Military History, all spheres of study which have not been written extensively about before. He is currently, the 2018 recipient of a first-time author award from NALIS and is currently the Consultant on the History of Colonial Radio.
Ms. Rukminee Holass Beepath has been involved in music and culture for over 6 decades. As she became more involved in Culture, she was called upon to assist in Maha Sabha Hindu schools across Trinidad in training students for the festival of Baal Vikaas Vihaar. She has dedicated her life to serving schools and communities across the nation.
Ms. Holass Beepath has published four books on Indo-Trinidadian religious celebrations including recordings of traditional music and songs and she was requested to teach these traditional songs to Mandirs throughout Trinidad.
For the 50th Independence celebration in Trinidad Ms. Holass Beepath, composed a special nation-building song which is still played at several venues when we celebrate Independence.
Mr. Samuel Badree was a former Number 1 ranked T20 bowler in the World. He was a member of the West Indies World Cup winning teams 2012 and 2016
Mr. Badree was the Assistant Secretary to the West Indies Cricket Board from September 2010 to 2015. He was the players’ representative to the Board and Conducted workshops with players to prepare them for post cricket life, money management and re-integration into society, communications and public relations.
Mr. Badree is the Chairman of Badree’s Academy of Sport Education and has been an educator for over 2 decades. He is the epitome of a role model and has demonstrated a commendable balance with sport and education and has excelled in both.
Mr. Wayne Gerrard Bertrand (Posthumously) was a pillar of the energy industry for over 45 years, playing a pivotal role in shaping its direction, growth and success to sustainable development.
As President of Operations at the Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago and its predecessor Trintoc, Mr. Bertrand was instrumental in implementing innovative business initiatives and collaborations regionally and internationally.
Mr. Bertrand played a critical role in the development of the country’s Health, Safety and Environmental culture, as Chairman of the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Humming Bird Medal, SILVER,:
Mr. Ashton Ford was the Chairman of the Sport and Carnival Committee in Arima and presided over the expansion of the Borough from one square mile to four, initiating major changes which contributed to the overall Development of Arima.
He was involved in the political sphere and served as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Maintenance and Drainage and in the Ministry of Public Utilities and Transport.
Mr. Ford was also a Journalist and worked with various media houses including the Guardian, Bomb and the Catholic News. He freelanced for Radio Stations and covered sports, culture, politics and crime.
In 2004 he was assigned to the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission in London as Public Affairs, Culture & Tourism Attaché, a position he held for six (6) years, working closely with the High Commissioner to promote Trinidad and Tobago in areas of Trade, Tourism and Culture.
Mr. Carl Birjah has spent most of his life in the sporting fraternity. He has worked as a Sports Master, Secretary, Public Relations Officer, Vice Chairman, Vice President and President all tuned into furthering the interest of Cricket in Trinidad and Tobago.
As a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board he held amongst other positions vice chairman of the South West Zone and Secretary of the South West Zone.
He has also served and continues as Cricket Administrator in promoting the sport of Cricket in South Trinidad, notably with the Penal Sports Association and the South Zone Cricket Council of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board in a volunteer capacity.
Pastor Daniel Parks is an ordained Minister of the Gospel and a Prisons’ Chaplain in the Trinidad and Tobago Prisons service.
Pastor Parks has effected positive change in the lives of a countless number of persons within society and behind prison walls, bringing newfound hope and restoration to those who were thought to be beyond redemption. He is the founder and president of the Prison Fellowship in Trinidad and Tobago and has introduced a range of programmes and initiatives designed to support the spiritual and emotional well-being of prisoners.
Pastor Parks works as an appointed U.N. Ambassador for Peace, contributed to the ideology of protecting civilians, preventing conflict and reducing violence.
Mr. Eric McCree believes that his purpose is to promote fitness and wellness in our youth as he works personally with them to identify & maximize talent, academically and in Athletics.
Mr. McCree has been selected National Coach 7 times. He has successfully coached athletes who have successfully represented Trinidad and Tobago at least 55 times at various international Games. mentored to achieve academically.
Many of the athletes under his guidance have succeeded at regional examinations. Even more noteworthy is the fact that Mr. McCree successfully helped 21 of his athletes achieve Academic Scholarships.
Mr. Harvey Borris has been championing national causes in mainstream and social media for the past 30 years. At present he hosts two programmes entitled “The Hot Seat” and “I Love my Country” respectively.
During his programmes he seeks to advocate for the development of a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of illnesses such as diabetes. He has established and resourced the “Center for Justice” an NGO through which people obtain social, educational, legal and or financial aid and advice.
Professionally Mr. Borris has served his community as Councilor in the San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation, as a diplomat attached to the Trinidad and Tobago Consulate in Miami USA and an Alderman in the Port of Spain City Corporation.
Imam Imtiaz Ali (Posthumously) was a prominent figure in the Muslim community in Trinidad and Tobago.
In his role as the Imam of the Real Street ASJA Masjid since 2000, he has been instrumental in promoting Islamic education and values, providing spiritual guidance and support to the Muslim community, and fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding. Through his leadership, the Real Street ASJA Masjid has become a center for community development and outreach programs, including feeding the needy, providing disaster relief, and supporting educational initiatives.
Imam Ali was also President of the San Juan Business Association and worked closely with local government officials and other stakeholders to secure funding for a number of infrastructure projects, including road repairs, sidewalk improvements, and the installation of streetlights, laying the foundation for further economic growth and development.
Mr. Jim Phillip, innovated the steelpan-stand and the steelpan rack by making them collapsible. He innovated the tenor pan by replacing the original skirting with flat iron. He invented the pan balancer, the pan note measurer, the pan tuning stand and the nozzle squeezer.
His work is exclusively produced in Trinidad and Tobago yet they have a cultural impact on the rest of the world.
Some people describe his innovations as having come from a genius or a scientist.
Mr. Kenneth Ferguson found a place in the energy sector, having accepted a voluntary separation package from AMOCO and founding Kenson Production Services Limited – A contracting company specializing in providing operations and maintenance services to energy companies in Trinidad and Tobago. They are widely acknowledged as a leading service provider within the energy sector.
To Mr. Ferguson’s mind it was critical that this workforce be provided with every opportunity to gain the skills and certifications required to conduct their tasks with the strictest adherence to international best practices. From this, another respected entity arose: the Kenson School of Production Technology.
Pastor Wilma Kelly, an ordained Minister of the Gospel and a Prisons’ Chaplain in the Trinidad and Tobago Prisons service, has been able to effect positive change in the lives of many.
The scope of Pastor Kelly’s achievements encompasses her work as a pastoral counselor, a radio and television host, and as the founder of the Centre of Restoration and The Way of Holiness Ministry.
The Centre gives homeless people, alcoholics, drug addicts, and former inmates a place to stay, as well as support and resources to help them rebuild their lives.
As a Prisons’ Chaplain, Pastor Kelly has provided spiritual guidance, counseling, and support to inmates, prison administrative, and operational staff. She has successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated numerous prisoners back into society, demonstrating the transformative power of faith in the lives of those she has touched.
The Humming Bird Medal, BRONZE:
Ms. Rachel Bhagwandeen (Posthumously) was eleven years old and live in Freeport with her parents and her three siblings. Not everyone is built with a protective mechanism that puts the life of others before themselves. It is often a testament to the type of upbringing you have had and an inner resolve to be of service to others.
When Rachel and her brother were confronted by a vicious animal her first thought was to protect her brother make the way clear for him to be safe while allowing herself to take the brunt of the vicious attack.
Her brother survived and unfortunately she did not. For an 11 year old to be so selfless, certainly shows that she possessed a spark of the divine nurtured by her parents and leading to a place where it can only be remembered as wonderful, gracious and kind.
The Public Service Medal of Merit/may be awarded for Outstanding and Meritorious Service to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Public Service Medal of Merit, GOLD:
Mr. Anthony Bartholomew has an extensive Public Service Career. His service record includes Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Planning, Housing and the Environment, Ministry of Planning and Development, Ministry of National Security, Ministry of Public Utilities and the Environment and Ministry of the Environment.
After his retirement from the Public Service, Mr. Bartholomew continued to serve. He has been a coordinator and advisor in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources, a consultant for the Ministry of Finance, a consultant for the Inter-American Development Bank and currently provides the service of adviser to the Minister of Public Utilities.
Ms. Beverly Khan is an outstanding public servant, with thirty-three (33) years of dedicated service to the Government and people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Ms. Khan has served this country with distinction. She held various leadership positions, including that of Deputy Permanent Secretary. She also served as Trinidad and Tobago Counsellor in the Office of the Executive Director for the Caribbean Constituency at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Washington, D.C.
Ms Khan has been an invaluable resource to the Public Service, especially to Permanent Secretaries who have relied heavily on her technical expertise.
Moreover, she has mentored and inspired a generation of public officers, working with key stakeholders in the public and private sectors, and multilateral development banks in leveraging support for the country’s development.
Ms. Enid Zephyrine, is an outstanding Public Official who began her career as a Clerical officer in 1973 eventually becoming an auditor and budget analyst in the Ministry for Tobago Affairs, Central Administrative Services Tobago and Tobago House of Assembly.
From 1990 to 2012 she served as Budget Analyst, Financial Analyst, Assistant Director and Director Economic Management.at the Ministry of Finance.
After working with the World Bank in Washington DC for two years, Ms Zephyrine, a consummate citizen willing to serve the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, returned to the Public Service in the Ministry of Finance from 2016 to 2023 as the Director Strategic Management and Execution.
Ms. Gwendolyn Loobie-Snaggs (Posthumously) employment in the Service of Trinidad and Tobago began as a Nurse but she moved on to contribute in the decision-making process to further the cause of strengthening the population against the threats of diseases and viruses.
In the early 1980’s Ms. Loobie-Snaggs’s became involved with the Public Service Association (PSA) to address the needs of her colleagues. She became the Nurses representative at the PSA in 1985 and she rose to First Vice-President in 1993. Her service to Nurses of Trinidad and Tobago expanded to the Caribbean as she served on the executive of the Caribbean Nurses Organization (CNO) from 2016 to the time of her passing in 2022.
Mr. Leslie Reuben Hoyte has had a profound impact in the field of Sports and Physical Education. The role for which he may perhaps be most well-known is his function as Physical Trainer to the Trinidad and Tobago National Under-20 team which participated in the Fifth Youth World Cup in Portugal in 1991. This team included Dwight Yorke, Clayton Ince and Angus Eve who would go on to become future standouts at the senior level. Angus Eve at the time of writing is the current Coach of the National Football Team.
Mr. Hoyte started as a teacher at the Couva Anglican Primary School in 1960, with subsequent appointments over the years at Presentation College, San Fernando, Corinth Teachers’ College, The University of the Southern Caribbean, the University of Trinidad and Tobago and The University of the West Indies (Open Campus) among others. He also held the post of Physical Education and Sport Officer II at the Ministry of Sport, Culture, and Youth Affairs.
Mr. Hoyte’s deepest and most profound impact however is unquestionably at the level of the individual, providing encouragement and inspiration to hundreds of young people.
The Public Service Medal of Merit, SILVER:
Prisons Supervisor Mr. John Lopez (ret.) is an exceptional leader who has dedicated 35 years of his life to the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service, rising to the rank of Prison Supervisor. He has contributed particularly in the area of prison healthcare services management.
One of Mr. Lopez’s earliest achievements was his involvement in the Cadets at a junior level, where he later attained the rank of Under Officer. He went on to form the first cadet unit in Brazil Secondary School and also worked with students at El Dorado East Secondary School.
One of Mr. Lopez’s most notable contributions to the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service was managing the Health Services Unit, which provided health care to inmates and prison staff. Through his position in the unit, he developed key stakeholder partnerships which allowed officers and inmates to receive additional health care services beyond the capacity of the Prison Service.
Mrs. Yasmin Rahaman-Singh was Principal of A.S.J.A. Girls’ College, San Fernando from November 2007 to April 2023 transforming the College into a first choice institution and one of the top performing schools in the country.
Under her leadership, the College has developed a strong emphasis on morals, values, school building and nation building. The school community has come to appreciate, understand and exemplify the motto led by Mrs. Rahaman-Singh, “Lets root for each other and watch each other grow.”
Mrs. Rahaman- Singh vision and philosophy was always to create a cadre of 21st century citizens, future leaders and mothers who would be the exemplars of our society.
Click here for list of 2022 National Awards
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Click here for list of 2020 National Awards
Click here for list of 2019 National Awards
