What a wonderful week!

WHAT a wonderful week it was! For a change, at least, the news was particularly delightful, produced largely by the outstanding deeds and achievements of our young people who, by their courage, determination and scholastic abilities demonstrated that they could match and even beat the best in the world. It was a week that lifted our spirits from the prevailing gloom generated by the crime scourge as we were provided with true and wonderful insights into who we really are as a rainbow people and into our own potential for achieving greatness. Yes, it was that kind of week in which Trinis of every colour and creed had reason to feel proud and to realise how truly fortunate we happen to be in our diverse unity.

It ended in spectacular fashion on Friday with the announcement that a total of 38 Trinidad and Tobago students had attained ranking among the world’s top ten, ahead of all those who wrote the University of Cambridge International Examinations (A Levels) this year. Which other country, large or small, in which this reputable  examination is recognised can boast of such a result? Thirty eight of our students have proven themselves to be among the world’s best in a variety of subjects! That, in our view, is something to shout about; such composite success reveals not only the intellectual capacity of so many of our young people but also the discipline and character necessary to achieve that kind of world-class excellence.

But the story of their achievement is made even more exciting by the fact that six TT students scored marks that placed them absolutely first in the world in various subjects. Anushka Ramjag of St Augustine Girls topped the field in Geography; Devon Kyle Indar of Chaguanas Presentation did it in Chemistry; Maria Lawrencia Abdool of Holy Faith Convent, Couva excelled in Business Studies; Dennis Ramdass of Naparima College, San Fernando, came first in Physics; and Siemone Fortune of Pleasantville Senior Secondary and Kendell Rawle Richardson of Carapichaima Senior Secondary tied for the top place in General Paper. Another remarkable performance came from Mikkel Trestrail who, although blind from the age of eleven, placed seventh in the world in A Level Sociology. In overcoming such a severe handicap, Mikkel’s success is comparable to that of Felicity teenager Veera Bhajan who, inspite of being born without arms, was able to obtain five distinctions in this year’s CXC O Level examinations.

Among the national awards presented by President George Maxwell Richards on Tuesday, the country recognised the true grit of three young persons who excelled in different ways but whose deeds were equally inspiring. Veera, of course, was prominently among them. So too was 21-year-old George Bovell III who came home with a Bronze medal from the Athens Olympics, the only swimmer in the English-speaking Caribbean to win a medal in this supreme contest. From Piarco to President’s House, George received a homecoming welcome he will always remember! Tuesday’s awards also recognised the heroic bravery of 17-year-old Rhonda Charles of Claxton Bay who risked her life by rushing into a blazing house to save the lives of a 76-year-old blind woman and her seven-month-old granddaughter.

Another national hero the nation honoured on Tuesday was acting Inspector Edward Williams, who lost his life when he confronted bandits attempting to raid a St Augustine home where ex-President Arthur Robinson and other guests were having dinner. In one week the news connected the inspiring achievements of a varied group of Trinbagonians who, in different ways,  reconciled us to ourselves, who revealed the kind of stuff of which we are made and which, hopefully, will serve as the most powerful influences in our effort to build a nation.