President Christine Carla Kangaloo drew inspiration from former Calypso Monarch Denyse Plummer’s iconic song “Nah Leaving” to express her appreciation to President’s Medal recipients for their willingness to return to T&T after completing their studies abroad.
Thirteen students were awarded for topping the SEA, CAPE, CSEC, and NEC exams in 2023 and 2024.
“It is so good to know that when it comes to Trinidad and Tobago, your motto, as another of our great calypsonians, Denyse Plummer, sang, is nah leaving. This, to me, is a demonstration of real integrity, and your country appreciates you for this reason also.”
President Kangaloo commended the students for their role in addressing the issue of brain drain.
“The worry was that the country was investing resources and educating our young people only to see them pull up stakes and settle abroad, giving the benefit of their intellect and creativity to other countries. I was therefore tremendously pleased to read that the vast majority, if not all of you, have expressed your commitment to staying in Trinidad and Tobago after you have completed your studies and to devoting your time and your talents to building our country up.”
President Kangaloo also lauded the students for their academic excellence.
“We especially appreciate you, our medal winners, because we live in a time when the headlines are too often dominated by negative portrayals of young people. And what you have done through your achievements is remind us that there’s a different story to be told.”
Minister of Education Dr. Michael Dowlath emphasised the collective responsibility of society in shaping the future of the nation’s youth.
“It is therefore our shared responsibility, parents, teachers, leaders, and the government, to prepare them not only for careers but for lives of meaning and purpose. We must teach them how to stand firm in the face of pressure, how to choose what is right over what is easy, and how to embody the values of compassion, patriotism, and good citizenship.”
And Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, Professor Prakash Persad, encouraged the students to maintain balance in their pursuit of success.
“So to the recipients, as you continue your journey as academic scholars and professionals, remember to occasionally step back to re-evaluate your personal development and to find balance for the protection of your well-being, mental balance, mental wellness, and balance in life.”