Awardees humbled, delighted, by national awards

"It forces me to think deeper on what it means for the future and what it is really now requiring of me. Though we could express joy and happiness, you start thinking of the responsibility of the region generally, not just Trinidad and Tobago . . . let me enjoy the moment".

Keith Awong, retired Chief Executive Officer of State-owned Petrotrin, who got a Chaconia Gold said: "I am very privileged to receive such an award. I am extremely grateful and I really feel honoured. I cannot find words, it is virtually indescribable"

Retired judge Lionel Jones who also received a Chaconia Gold Medal for law and public service said to receive an award at such a high national level "is truly great and perhaps it signifies that I have achieved some of the things that I’d set out in my own life".

Similar sentiments were expressed by Chaconia Silver Medal recipient, business consultant E. Henry Sealy, who is best know for his role in developing the Unit Trust Corporation.

"If it is for the work that we’ve done in the UTC I think I deserve it but I prefer to collect it on behalf of my management and staff. We had broken early ground when we launched the first mutual fund in the United States because since then no other country has been able to secure registration of a foreign fund that can be sold in the US.

"I think that was a phenomenal breakthrough for TT and I am indeed delighted that the country has recognised our contribution and has decided to give me an award for it."

Trade unionist Rudranath Indarsingh, leader of the All Trinidad Sugar and General Workers Trade Union (ATSGWTU) said he was accepting the award on behalf of the union.

"This doesn’t really change me in any way because on a continuous basis I have a responsibility to carry out my role in terms of upholding the constitution of the union and defending and promoting the rights and interests of workers."

Retired trade unionist Francis Mungroo, who was awarded the Chaconia Gold 11 years ago, said he deserved his second national award and doesn’t believe the additional medal was an oversight.

"I don’t know and I don’t want to know," he declared, "I think I’ve earned it anyway. I was a little bit surprised but then I thought it was good for me to get it because I served for a very long time in the trade union movement."