Cumuto/Manzanilla honours young achievers

Two female students, Shantal Seemungal and Malisa Sandy, were also awarded for their contribution to sport in the region during the event, which is expected to be a fixture on the constituency’s annual calendar.

The function, which was punctuated by entertainment, featured performances by 2008 Digicel Rising Stars winner Erica Samuel, Hot Blood Tassa Group, Mastana Bahar winner Dave Ganesh and the Bridge of Hope Steel Orchestra.

BpTT environmental manager Karen Ragoonanan-Jalim, a daughter of Manzanilla soil, delivered the feature address. She underscored the importance of commitment, noting that she has had to grapple with many challenges on the road to success.

Ragoonanan-Jalim, who emerged from humble beginnings, also said one’s social standing should never be a deterrent to achieving one’s goals since there were many opportunities to further their education through the Government Assistance For Tuition Expenses (GATE) student loans and bursaries.

Noting that retired Police Commissioner Noor Kenny Mohammed was born and bred in Manzanilla, she said there were several residents of the community who have distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavour.

Ragoonanan-Jalim, who attended North Eastern College in Sangre Grande, urged the young scholars to persevere through hard work and sacrifice. She also advised them to set targets of achievement, insisting that learning must be a fun experience.

“Be creative and innovative. Do not be afraid to challenge the status quo,” she advised. Telling the students they should remain humble and never compromise their principles, Ragoonanan-Jalim challenged them to create opportunities in the community for other students to succeed.

“Give back to God, your parents and your community. Do not be afraid to take others along. Do not be offended by a few bad apples,” she said.

Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cumuto/Manzanilla MP Collin Partap, in an address, urged the students to strive for excellence.

Like Ragoonanan-Jalim, Partap noted that education was a lifelong process. He, too, argued that one’s status in a community should never be a barrier in pursuing one’s academic goals.

“Education is the great equaliser, whether your parents are rich or poor,” Partap told a gathering at Manzanilla Secondary School.

Partap said the students were successful because of the dedication, sacrifice and encouragement of their parents and teachers. Spirituality, he said, was also another key ingredient.

Speaking on behalf of the students Erissa Cuffie, who has since received an additional scholarship for science after gaining A’s in Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry at St Joseph’s Convent in Port-of-Spain, told her peers they should guard against complacency.

She also advised them to work in their districts.

“Do not abandon your communities and others that are not so fortunate,” she said.

Acting principal of Manzanilla Secondary Nicole Riley and vice-chairman of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation, Lawrence Lalla, also spoke.

LIST OF AWARDEES

Nalini Ramesar

Neela Ramsubhag

Miranda Maharaj

Slellice Mottee

Tabitha Wight

Dalton Douglas

Nalini Roopa

Sonia Singh

Kirby Derrick

Alicia Mohammed

Erissa Cuffie

Donny Cocea

SPORTS

Shantal Seemungal

Malisa Sandy