Maha Sabha wants new award for late leader

This is one of the recommendations being drafted by the Maha Sabha to present to the committee, headed by Professor Bridget Brereton, which will review TT’s highest award the Trinity Cross and examine and make recommendations on other national observances and symbols which may be considered discriminatory. It will submit a report by the middle of July.

In an interview, Maha Sabha Secretary General Sat Maharaj said, “Every Prime Minister has vetoed the committee’s decision. The decision of the committee should be accepted and implemented.”

The Maha Sabha is proposing the name The Order of Trinidad and Tobago as the replacement name for the Trinity Cross. Maharaj said a recommendation will be made on the composition of the National Award Committee.

He said it should comprise a representative from the women’s movement, Inter religious organisation, labour movement, business community and Tobago.

Another suggestion is that public servants should have a separate awards ceremony. “Public servants are paid by the State. They should not be included in the national awards which should be for people who have made personal sacrifices.”

The Maha Sabha also plans to make representation for the new award to be posthumously given to their former spiritual head Dharmcharya pundit Krishna Maharaj of Caroni. Maharaj said he brought the issue of the name of the Trinity Cross to the forefront. He refused the award in 1995.

The Maha Sabha and the Islamic Relief Centre took the State to court regarding the name Trinity Cross. On May 26, Justice Peter Jamadar in the San Fernando High Court ruled that the name had a direct adverse effect of discrimination against Hindus and Muslims.

President of the Inter-religious Organisation (IRO) Rev Cyril Paul said when the name of the national award is changed, the Government will have to look over the list of persons who had refused to accept the Trinity Cross on religious grounds. He referred to pundit Maharaj and said the Government may have to consider giving him the award posthumously. Paul said the Government’s decision to change the name was a positive move and the IRO was pleased that a Committee has been appointed to address the matter. “It is unfortunate that they had to wait for the high court ruling but it is better late than never.” Paul said he did not see the name change as an attack on Christians.

“We have to appreciate that other people live in our country and have every right to receive the national award when they deserve it. When they cannot accept it in good conscience we cannot feel comfortable with that.”