Late start to National Awards at President’s House

FOR the first time since 1969, the National Awards ceremony which took place at President’s House started at 6.14 pm yesterday—14 minutes late. While no explanation was given, guests who had been arriving since 5 pm thought the function would start when they heard strains of the National Anthem. However, this turned out to be a comic moment, evoking chuckles when they realised it was false start as the music was the introduction to Natasha Wilson’s calypso “Sweet TT.”  Thirty-six people received National Awards yesterday for their outstanding contribution in the fields of sport, culture and service to community and country in a 40 minute ceremony. The lion’s share of the awards—11, went to recipients for works in the Public Service, seven for community service and four for sport.

Two awards were presented for gallantry—to Basmath Indra Gopie, a patient care assistant and Heeralal Ramkisson, a fire fighter. Gopie was beaming with pride after receiving the award for her daring rescue of 14-year-old Megan Lord on July 7 while on an outing to Grand Riviere with colleagues. What was supposed to be a “stress free day” changed when Gopie responded to the cries of a young man bathing at the beach whose sister was drowning. While she could not swim, Gopie was able to pull Lord  towards the surface and along with her friends revive her. Ramkisson, who received burns to 15 percent of his body after rescuing an elderly man whose house was on fire paid tribute to all firefighters and Chief Fire Officer Lennox Alfred for his support after the incident.