Trinity Cross for Edwin Carrington

Carrington, who has championed the move towards a Caricom Single Market, the Caribbean Court of Justice and towards the general deepening of the integration movement, has served in this capacity since August 1992. The Trinidad-born Carrington, a former secretary-general to the ACP Group and a former Trinidad and Tobago ambassador to Brussels, has received several similar awards from Caribbean Governments.

Among those who received awards were Supergranny, 73-year- old Elise Joseph, who fought off a bandit to protect her grandson. She was rewarded for her courage and heroism, with a Humming Bird Gold "for gallantry." Alix Archer De Silva, the person who found $30,000 and took it to the police was given the Humming Bird Silver for honesty.

In the field of sport, former national coach, Bertille St Clair received the Chaconia Silver, while popular race-walker John Frankie Asche and former national football captain and former captain of Maple, Sedley Thurstan Joseph, received the Humming Bird Gold. Boxer Ria Ramnarine received a Humming Bird Silver as did boxing judge, Molly Boxill. Choreographer and dancer Noble Douglas received a Hummingbird Gold for culture as did the Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra, while entertainer Bill Trotman received the Humming Bird Silver.

Lecturer Carol Keller, who has served on many education task forces, was one of five persons who received the Chaconia Gold.

The others were Keith Awong, chief executive officer at Petrotrin, for national energy development; Justice Lionel Jones (law/public service); businessman and chairman of SM Jaleel and Company Ltd Aleem Mohammed and Prof Andrew Madan Ramroop, master tailor.

Getting the Chaconia Silver were veteran Seamen and Waterfront Trade Unionist Francis Mungroo and All Trinidad and General Workers Trade Union president-general Rudranath Indarsingh, who oversaw the transformation of Caroni Ltd — both for their contribution to the trade union movement.

Edward Henry Sealy, who pioneered the tremendous growth of the Unit Trust Corporation, received the Chaconia Silver for public service.

Executive chef, Edward Beharry, a former chef at Hilton Trinidad who has authored cooking books, received a Humming Bird Gold.

In the field of music, Michael "Mano" Marcellin, received a Humming Bird Silver.

Peter Samuel, former masman and aquatic therapist, received an award for culture and sport.

Disabled wheelchair bound student, Wayne Naranjit, who was studying for a BSc in management at the UWI St Augustine received posthumously the Humming Bird Silver for youth inspiration.

Naranjit, who had a terminal disease called Duchenne’s Muscular Dystropy, died on January 17 of this year at the age of 26. The movement of his hands was severely impeded by the time he attended UWI, with movement only in his fingers.

His neck had only a small angle of rotation making it difficult to view the whole blackboard. Yet his love of learning and mental acuity prevailed over his physical challenges.

Among those who received the Public Service Medal of Merit were retired permanent secretary, Yolande Gooding; principal of the Carmelite Convent, Sister Petronilla Joseph; retired school principal and David Ramkeesoon, community worker.

Organisations which were rewarded with the Public Service Medal of Merit were MOMS for Literacy; Mother’s Union Children’s Home and Louise Angelina Mc Intosh, music teacher. Gloria Nurse, former secretary to the president and retired administration officer; Daisy McClean, shopkeeper and social worker and Myra Catherine Greaves, housewife, also received the Public Service Medal of Merit.

The list of award recipients was released shortly before 8 pm yesterday.