Ambika Jagassarsingh
ambika.jagassarsingh@guardian.co.tt
After braving the COVID-19 storm for the last two years, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Roshan Parasram has been honoured with this country’s highest national award–The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT). He describes it as a bittersweet moment since the pandemic which has claimed more than 4,000 lives has not officially been declared over. Thousands of others, however, were able to make it through due to the persistent and constant elevation of the health care system.
"It feels a little bittersweet because we are still in the grips of the pandemic, it is still with us unfortunately," he said.
Parasram said that despite there still being concerns about the virus, the end is near.
“I think we are seeing the end of it, even the WHO director general has signalled to us that the end is in sight. I think in T&T we are getting to a more manageable state.”
Despite coming to an end, however, he said the virus served as a lesson to T&T and the entire world. “COVID-19 has really taught us that the uncertainty of a virus never disappears so we wait and see what happens as it makes its way towards ending and hopefully much lower levels of transmission.”
The ORTT is awarded to those who have provided distinguished and outstanding service to T&T, a task that was diligently done by Dr Parasram within the sphere of public health.
In the ceremony held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port-of-Spain, on Saturday, the President presented Parasram as well as other members of his team with their esteemed awards. This ceremony was the first normal, full-length Republic Day commemoration of celebrations in 2019, as events in 2020/21 were brief due to the COVID-19 restrictions.
According to the profile from the President’s House, the CMO was lauded for his contributions to the country, which led him to receive the prestigious award:
“He (Dr Parasram) stewarded the nation through highs and lows, his unflappable demeanour and professional approach providing much-needed calm amidst the COVID-19 storm. He quickly became a household name as he tirelessly provided updates and critical information, engaging the media and public daily.”
The CMO expressed his gratitude for being chosen for the award, however, he acknowledged that he could not have done it without the support of the diligent doctors who dedicated their time and effort to the cause.
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, centre, wiith the Ministry of Health National Award reciepients from left, Prof Christine Carrington, Chaconia Medal (Gold); Chief Medical Officer Dr Roshan Parasram, ORTT; Dr Michelle Trotman, Chaconia Medal (Gold); Dr Maryam Abdool-Richards, Chaconia Medal (Gold); and Dr Avery Hinds, Chaconia Medal (Gold) after the National Awards Ceremony at NAPA, Port-of-Spain, last night.
ANISTO ALVES
“I am honoured and privileged to be chosen to be the recipient of the ORTT and really and truly, I want to thank the health care workers first of all for their service and diligence. I think none of us from the health team would really be here without all the hands on deck of the 170,000 health care workers across the country that have provided and continue to provide service to all of Trinidad and Tobago,” added Parasram.
Parasram reiterated that beating this virus was a team effort and that no one individual could have done it alone.
Other members of the Ministry of Health's medical team who led T&T through the pandemic were also awarded the Chaconia Medal (Gold) for their service to the country– Dr Avery Hinds, Dr Michelle Trotman, Dr Maryam Abdool-Richards and Prof Christine Carrington.
Guardian Media also spoke to the Principal Medical Officer (PMO), Dr Abdool-Richards who echoed Parasram’s sentiments regarding the medals commemorating the collective effort of all the health care workers.
She said that the different sectors aided immensely in the efforts through their support.
“The team itself really worked together and we are extremely grateful for the support of the other sectors, for example, the private sectors, NGOs, Chambers of commerce.”
Richards also expressed her gratitude for the people of T&T and their reassurances throughout the medical crisis.
“We are very grateful to the people of Trinidad and Tobago who at difficult times would see us in the supermarket and public spaces and would come and offer words of encouragement and kindness,” stated Richards.
Recipient of the Hummingbird Medal (Gold) for services in the sphere of culture and education, Dr Primnath Gooptar described the medal as a lifetime achievement. Gooptar was a principal for more than three decades and then went on to become a lecturer at the UWI. He was also heavily involved in Ramleela and Phagwa celebrations, as well as community service, all of which contributed to him receiving the award. He said, “Growing up you see others get it, but you never expect it, so it was a surprise when I received the call asking if I would accept it.”
Young Mannette: Feelings of elation and pride
Lauded as a hero when he managed to save a doctor’s life while on vacation, Hummingbird Medal (Bronze) for gallantry awardee, Master Gregg Mannette was beaming and described the recognition as a privilege.
“I got great honour and so much feelings of elation and pride to be recognised for this award” he said.
Mannette risked his life to save a doctor from drowning in Tobago.
Mrs Gia Gaspard-Taylor was awarded the Gold Medal for the Development of Women. She is a founding member and president of the Network of Rural Women Producers of Trinidad and Tobago, an organisation focused on the empowerment of rural women to improve their economic and social well-being.
She described this award as a wonderful opportunity for her and for the work she has done over the years to help women progress. Despite doing the work out of enjoyment and having no expectations of recognition for it, she alluded that the award is somewhat of a commemoration of all the work done. “Sometimes you do feel like giving up but then there are opportunities that you feel will come and when it does come you just open up and go again.”
63 people were honoured by the Government and received commemorative medals for service to country.