MEDIA RELEASE – 2013 August 31st Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in New York 125 Maiden Lane, 4th Fl., New York, NY 10038 Media contact: Tel: 212 682 7272 ext 1109 Fax: 212-232-0368 Email: consulate@ttcgny FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Subject: Trinidad and Tobago honours Lord Nelson, Calypso Rose and Sparrow among those honoured 51st indepence celebration Cultural Ambassadors Calypso Rose, Lord Nelson and the Mighty Sparrow were recognized with Lifetime Achievement awards by the Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in New York at its annual Independence cocktail reception and first award ceremony. Rose, Nelson and Sparrow were just three of the awardees living in the jurisdiction of the Consulate General in New York that have made an outstanding contribution in their sphere or community that raised the international profile of Trinidad and Tobago. The event was held at the Consulate General at 125 Maiden Lane on Friday 30th August, 2013. In her address to those gathered, Consul General Rudrawatee Nan Ramgoolam praised all former Prime Ministers that helped chart the course of Trinidad and Tobago’s continued march to the developed nation status. Beginning with our first prime minister Dr. Eric Eustace Williams, the Consul General pointed out the contribution of every prime minister since Independence. She indicated that Dr. Williams laid strong democratic and economic foundations which have served subsequent leaders, George Chambers, Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson, Patrick Manning, Basdeo Panday and our current Prime Minister, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar. She cited Prime Minister Chambers famous slogan “fete done, back to work!” which struck a chord and reminded citizens that economic development of any nation is dependent upon hardwork, production and most of all productivity. She spoke of Mr. Robinson, the only Prime Minister from Tobago who placed the country on the international map for propelling the creation of the International Criminal Court. Former Prime Minister Patrick Manning was singled out as the longest serving member of parliament in Trinidad and Tobago who helped positioned Trinidad and Tobago on the map for hosting international conferences such as the Heads of Government Meeting of the Commonwealth group and the Summit of the Americas. The Honourable Basdeo Panday was lauded by the Consul General for strengthening the Education system with his slogan “education for all” and introduced the “dollar for dollar” concept at tertiary level with a view to increase the percentage of tertiary level education in this country - a major requirement for meeting developed country status. The Consul General indicated that under the leadership of our current Prime Minister, the Honourable Kamla Persad Bissessar, the government continues on the path of development and is committed to elevating the lives of Trinidadians and Tobagonians. She specifically mentioned programmes in the areas of education, health, job training and employment opportunities that ensure the creation of a knowledge-based society that will propel the economy forward. After her well received address, the awardees for the 2013 Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in New York Independence Awards were announced. The categories of Fashion and Creative Arts, Business and Entrepreneurship, Sport and Lifetime Achievement were identified for this the first award ceremony. The awardees were as follows: Fashion and the Creative Arts- Ms. Anya Ayoung Chee and the Caribbean American Carnival Association Business and Entrepreneurship- Mr. Conrad Ifill and Mr. Michael Sims Sports- Melbourne NY Alliance (the award was presented to Mr. Joe Siewharack who received it on behalf of the Club) and TrinAm Sports Club (the award was presented to Mr. Derrick Lewis who received it on behalf of the Club) Lifetime Achievement Awards were given to- • Mr. Boodram Jattan- Former trade unionist and Member of Parliament for Naparima • Mr. Edwin Robert- Former Olympian sprinter that captured two bronze in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics • Ms. Bhagwatie Dwarika- Cultural activist and enthusiast • Mr. Mohan Jaikaran- prominent businessman and promoter of Trinidad and Tobago’s culture and entertainment in North America • Mr. Albert Danny Marcano- “Lord Defender” Mr. Slinger Franscico, the Mighty Sparrow, made arrangements to be presented with his award this week as he was unable to attend the ceremony. All awardees expressed gratitude at having received their awards and Mr. Edwin Roberts declared to the Consul General that it was one of the proudest moments of his life. It was such a delight to see them all participating in the dancing that followed the reception. Lord Nelson cast off his cane to dance and Lord Defender proved that he still had the moves to put younger men to shame. And there were many younger men around as the Consulate General also hosted the Old Mac Junior Cricket team from Couva, Trinidad who were visiting New York to take part in a cricket tournament. Young and old, infirm and well all danced to the various genres of music from our beloved Trinidad and Tobago. At the end of the night, Lord Defender was still going strong and there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that he was the MVP that night, cricket or no cricket. The Consulate of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in New York congratulates all awardees and reminds us that it is citizens such as these that make us all proud to be Trinidadians and Tobagonians. The Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in New York exercises consular jurisdiction in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont, and is focused on promoting Trinidad and Tobago and providing services for its Diaspora. END
Posted on: Fri, 06 Sep 2013 02:42:43 +0000
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