NATIONAL AWARDS
National
Awards were first granted in 1969, seven years after Trinidad and
Tobago gained its independence from Britain. These awards are presented
to commemorate the Anniversary of our Independence.Prior to our own local National Awards system, Trinidad and Tobago was involved in the system of Commonwealth Awards which was conferred by Her Majesty the Queen of England. These Commonwealth Awards comprised the Peerage and Baronestage, Privy Counsellors and various Orders of Knighthood Orders, Decorations and Medals, in Civil and Military Divisions in some cases.
Upon gaining independence from Britain in 1962, it was decided that Trinidad and Tobago should have its own National Awards.
Although Cabinet had decided on 21st December 1967 that there should be seven (7) categories and fourteen (14) classes of National Awards, it subsequently amended these numbers to four (4) categories and ten (10) classes of National Awards.
The existing National Awards are the Trinity Cross Medal of the Order of the Trinity in Gold only, The Chaconia Medal of the Order of the Trinity, in Gold, Silver and Bronze, The Hummingbird Medal of the Order of the Trinity, in Gold, Silver and Bronze, and the Public Service Medal of Merit of the Order of the Trinity in Gold, Silver and Bronze.
NATIONAL AWARDS NOMINEES
Nominations for National Awards are done annually. There is a National Awards Committee to oversee the procedure. In order that fair consideration be given to nominees, the National Awards Committee asks that the submission of nominees be made early, with full detailed information being given, thereby building a solid and convincing case. This includes the nominee's name and activities, including how long he/she has done the work for which the person nominating him/her thinks he/she deserves the award.
The members of the National Awards Committee will then carry out a proper investigation of the nominees activities in the field, after which, the Committee then considers all the recommendations submitted. Then the Committee forwards a shortened list to the Prime Minister for his consideration.
According to the 1969 Constitution of the Order of the Trinity, the Prime Minister has the right to accept, reject, or add to the list. The Prime Minister in turn advises the President who made the award, with the consent of the nominee.
Under the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, nominees enter the Society of Honor of the Order of the Trinity through the award.
WHERE TO GET NOMINATION FORMS
Nomination forms are available from the Secretary, National Awards Committee, Office of the Prime Minister, Central Bank Tower, Eric Williams Plaza, Independence Square, Port of Spain, from any City or Town Hall, and at the Tobago House of Assembly.
ORDER OF THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
The
Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was installed as Trinidad
and Tobago’s new highest national award 2008 and replaces the Trinity
Cross for Distinguished and Outstanding Service to Trinidad and Tobago.The design of the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago acknowledges the contribution of the first inhabitants of Trinidad and Tobago embodied in the crest surmounting the medallion. The waves and constellation tell the story that Trinidad and Tobago consist of people from all over the world and their descendants, bringing social and cultural attributes to produce a special, talented people with a great potential.
The award is 18 carat yellow gold and hangs from a short length striped gros-grain ribbon in the national colours, red, white and black. On the front of the award, there are three circles each encompassing a feature of the National Symbols of Trinidad and Tobago, with a crest at the top. Within the crest is a feathered headdress of an Amerindian chief which represents the Aboriginal culture of the twin island.
The centre of the design features a disc upon which familiar national of the Scarlet Ibis standing on the south western peninsula of Trinidad and the Mot Mot perched on the image of Tobago both imposed in bas-leaf. At the top of the circle is the Chaconia Flower, the National flower of Trinidad and Tobago. In the middle circle there is a display of twelve outer notes of a tenor pan, upon the notes are a pair of pan sticks. The steel pan is placed on the award as it is the National instrument of the twin island republic. Within the third and outer circle are images which represent the sea and sky. Waves at the bottom represent the sea whilst the sky is represented via clusters of star shapes and fine granulation.
On the back of the award, the words “Order of the Republic” are engraved.
The name of the Society to replace the Order of the Trinity is The Distinguished Society of Trinidad and Tobago and the initials O.R.T.T. is to be used by future holder of the award after their names.
In 2008, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was awarded to the following recipients for Distinguished and Outstanding Service to Trinidad and Tobago in the Steelpan Development.
- Professor Brian Copeland - Professor
- Mr. Bertram “Bertie” Lloyd Marshall - Steelpan Innovator
- Mr. Anthony Williams - Steelpan Innovator
THE TRINITY CROSS
The
Trinity Cross is awarded to persons who have rendered distinguished and
outstanding service to Trinidad and Tobago. It is also awarded for
gallantry in the face of the enemy, or for gallant conduct.It is in gold only, and awards for this medal are limited to five recipients each year, though the number may be less.
Both Nationals and Non-Nationals are eligible for this award.
The identifying colour on the Borders of Ribbons for this medal is gold.
THE CHACONIA MEDAL
The
Chaconia Medal - Gold, Silver and Bronze - is limited to ten (10
recipients each year, though the number may be less. It is awarded to
persons for work in the social field: to community workers in all
organizations which promote community spirit and national welfare, for
long and meritorious service to the country or the community in their
respective organizations.The identifying colour on the borders of ribbons for this medal is light green.
THE HUMMINGBIRD MEDAL
The
Hummingbird Medal - gold, silver and bronze - is limited to fifteen
(15) recipients each year, though the number may be less. It is awarded
to persons in the private or public sector, who have rendered loyal and
devoted service in their respective fields, for the benefit or prestige
of the community, or Trinidad and Tobago. It is also awarded for
gallantry or other outstanding humane action.The identifying colour on the borders of ribbon for this medal is Royal Blue.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL OF MERIT
The
Public Service Medal of Merit in gold, silver and bronze, is awarded to
members of the Civil Service and Protective Services, including the
Defence and Cadet Forces, members of Statutory Boards and Committees of
other quasi Public Services.
The
Gold Medal is awarded for outstanding and meritorious service, while
the Silver Medal is awarded for long and meritorious service. The Bronze
Medal is awarded for good conduct and long service of 12 years, while
the Bronze Medal with one hexalphas, is awarded for service of 18 years.The identifying colours of the Borders of Ribbon are as follows:
Gold Medal - Purple
Silver Medal - Light Blue
Bronze Medal - Silver
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