‘Icons can give a sense of country’

He said brain drain, when a country’s educated sector migrates for greener pastures, is a significant factor impacting the stability and growth of most countries, and especially developing countries.

Abdul Hamid was speaking at the first national awards ceremony for Trinidad and Tobago icons in science, technology and innovation at the Hilton Trinidad ballroom on Wednesday.

He noted that some of our young people lack a wider variety of visible role models whose stories and achievements can inspire them to follow in their footsteps.

The minister noted that by recognising our scientists, Trinidad and Tobago icons also play a role in restoring in our youth a sense of place, identity, history, national pride and loyalty to their homeland and region, which are all hidden determinants to the success of our development goals. He reiterated that the awards demonstrated that through vision, determination and hard work, "ordinary" people make extraordinary contributions to their world. Abdul Hamid boasted that the Government is fully supportive of many satellite projects and activities which directly or indirectly increase our education and training goals, and help to build public awareness of the increasing importance of science and technology.

"We want our future generations to recognise the legacy of excellence, which they have inherited from the icons being honoured," said Abdul Hamid.