Three people will today receive the nation’s highest national award—the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT).
The Office of the President yesterday released the names of 65 citizens who will be honoured as they receive their national awards, as the country observes its 48th anniversary as a republic today.
The three recipients are:
Mark Loquan (ORTT)
• Mark Loquan, former president of the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC), for National Service (Energy and Steelpan Innovation)
Prof Patrick Hosein (ORTT)
• Prof Patrick Hosein for Technology, Innovation and Engineering
Russell Martineau SC (ORTT)
• Sydney Russell Martineau, SC, former president of the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT), for Law.
The second highest award—the Chaconia Medal Gold—will be given to 11 awardees.
Among the awardees are a number of business people and experts in finance.
Executive chairman of Xtra Foods Supermarket Anon Naipaul will receive this award as well as Mohan Persad, director of Persad’s The Food King Supermarkets.
Eustace Nancis, founder of the Arima Door Centre Ltd. will also receive a Chaconia Medal Gold.
Karen Darbasie (Chaconia Gold)
Chief executive officer of First Citizens Bank Karen Darbasie is an awardee in this category in the sphere of banking and finance.
Chaconia awards
There are seven recipients for the Chaconia Medal Silver, among them two former police commissioners and a former assistant police commissioner.
Former acting top cop Stephen Williams will receive an award in the sphere of National Security and Public Service.
Williams was commissioner from 2012 to 2020. He served as a police officer for over 35 years and has performed in all ranks, from constable to commissioner.
Former police commissioner James Anthony Philbert will receive the Chaconia Medal Silver. He has over 43 years in active policing and the Office of the President stated that he paid strong attention to the detection of transnational organised crimes, the management of illegal weapons and narcotics, human trafficking, and crime scene investigation.
Joanne James, retired assistant commissioner of police who has 40 years in law enforcement, will also receive the Chaconia Medal Silver. As a training specialist, James develops curricula and facilitate training for the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (induction and advanced levels).
Hummingbird medals
The Hummingbird Medal is 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.
A total of 18 recipients will be honoured with the Hummingbird Medal Gold.
Among them are six doctors, including dermatologist Dr Khamedaye Basdeo Maharaj. Basdeo-Maharaj is renowned for her seminal research in dermatology, particularly in the area of T-cell research, keloids, hair and nails.
President of Pan Trinbago Beverly Ramsey-Moore will receive the Hummingbird Medal Gold for contributions to Culture/Arts/Community Development.
There are 15 recipients of the Hummingbird Medal Silver and a number of awardees were recognised for their contribution to education. They include Zena Ramatali, first vice president of the National Parent Teachers Association (NPTA). Teachers, principals and a vice principal are also among the awardees.
The Public Service Medal of Merit is awarded for Outstanding and Meritorious Service to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Public Service Medal of Merit Gold went to eight people, including ombudsman Jacqueline Sampson Meiguel, who formerly worked as the clerk of the House. The Office of the President noted that Sampson Meiguel had been at the helm of the office of the Parliament as its accounting officer and head of department.
The Public Service Medal of Merit Silver went to former high commissioner Fitzgerald Mc Arthur Jeffrey (posthumous) who helped to strengthen ties between Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
The Medal for the Development of Women, Gold was awarded to Rowena Martineau Pitt, the director of Tabitha’s Home for Women and Children.
The Medal for the Development of Women, Bronze went to Giselle Granger, a farmer from St Mary’s village.