PM Kamla pays tribute to pioneers and innovators

When my Government was elected to power on the platform of change, part of the change of which we spoke had to do with the recognition of nationals while they are alive so that generations present will be able to walk among our heroes and generations to come will revere them and shower them with adoration and praise.

To those we honour today. We acknowledge that major innovations have taken place because of your contributions. For this we will always be perpetually grateful to you. 

These contributions have allowed us as a nation to take a quantum leap towards development which were it not for your efforts; we would have been light years away.

Gentlemen and ladies your shoulders have formed the firm foundation upon which the future of this country rests. Your collective wisdom has formed the opinion upon which further development will be charted. Your loyalty and commitment to nationhood will be the models which future generations will emulate. 

Dr. Steve Maraboli, Executive Director of the Michael Thomas Research Centre for Social and Behavioural Science in New York observed that we all were put on this earth to achieve our greatest self, to live out our purpose and to do it fearlessly. As I reflect, I can confess that you the recipients who sit before me today have achieved your greatest self in your short lifetime for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

To you we are perpetually indebted. To you my government showers you with resounding applause. 

Even after you have departed this earth to the great beyond your name will be etched indelibly into the history of our country for you have given to this country a name and an identity that will never be forgotten because of your sterling contributions. 

My government must always be remembered as one that paid gratitude and homage to citizens who raised our standard and demonstrated to all that our watchwords of “Discipline, Production and Tolerance” are still relative today to us the citizens of Trinidad & Tobago. 

Tonight you join that elite class which includes sportsmen such as Haseley Crawford, Ato Boldon, Brian Lara, Dwight Yorke, Keshorn Walcott just to name a few. You have charted a course from which as a nation we shall never depart. 

As Prime Minister of this beautiful country, I extend my gratitude and my personal applause and wish that God’s richest blessings follow you all always.

May God bless you and may God continue to bless our beloved Nation, Trinidad and Tobago.