Excellence in health, entrepreneurship, agriculture and music was recognised at the Tobago Day Awards ceremony held at the Shaw Park Complex on Thursday evening.
Twenty-four Tobagonians and two institutions were honoured as part of the annual Awards.
Chairman of the Tobago Day Awards Committee, Chief Administrator Denese Toby-Quashie, described the awardees as trailblazers.
“Excellence is not confined to a single field. It manifests in multiple areas, and those who witness it recognise immediately when this rare calibre is present. Ladies and gentlemen, this evening’s Tobago Day Awards also underscores the importance of saluting exemplary figures in our society.”
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine reflected on the torch run, the first event to kickstart the 2025 Tobago Day celebrations. He said the torch signified hope, which is also highlighted in the Tobago Day Awards ceremony.
“That torch that signified hope, passion and continuity, and so this evening that flame passes to another set of torchbearers: Tobagonians, whose contributions shun brightly over the last couple years, perhaps decades. We have taken notice. I am talking about the sons, daughters and institutions of our soil that are true beacons of excellence.”
Receiving the Chief Secretary’s Award were steelpan arranger Kersh Ramsey and tourism youth advocate Jole St. John. Mr. Augustine said Tobago’s youth can learn a lot from the two young awardees.
“I say to our young people, never make the mistake of limiting yourself. For you are able to accomplish far more than you can dare to dream, and although the Tobago Awards is an evening to recognise excellence, it is also a moment to reinforce the values that make Tobago strong.”
Other awardees included former Chief Justice Ivor Archie, former Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community Sir Edwin Carrington, education stalwart Zelma Cowie, agriculturist Micheson Neptune, Bishop’s High School, and McConney’s Egg Farm Ltd.