Overdue, right on time, and deeply meaningful were just some of the sentiments expressed by the 2025 National Awardees on Wednesday.
Twenty-nine individuals, along with the Trinbago Knight Riders T20 Cricket Team, were honoured on Republic Day for their meaningful contributions to Trinidad and Tobago during the 2025 National Awards Ceremony.
From the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the Medal for the Development of Women, recipients shared a sense of pride, accomplishment, and long-awaited recognition.
Receiving the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Professor Emeritus Selwyn Cudjoe described the experience as deeply meaningful and the culmination of a long and distinguished career. He said being bestowed with the nation’s highest award is one of the greatest gifts one can receive.
“Trinidad and Tobago does not know how to honour their prophets or their cultural icons or their scholars. We do not know what that is and so to be honoured, I am 81, and to be honoured at this point, I think, is the greatest tribute that can be placed and I am thankful for the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago for that award.”
Recognised for decades of championing youth empowerment and authentic self-expression, Hummingbird Medal Silver recipient Mtima Solwazi described his work as a contribution not just to Trinidad and Tobago, but to the world. He emphasised that identifying avenues for expression and creating safe spaces for young people provides a monumental lifeline – one that drives powerful and positive change.
“Still processing it. It has been a surreal moment from the time I got the phone call till now, at present. But when I look back, I had to feel proud, not for me but for every youth we have engaged over the years.”
Popular singer-songwriter and granddaughter of the late Garfield ‘Ras Shorty I’ Blackman, Nailah Blackman is calling on the nation to fully embrace the rich cultural heritage of Trinidad and Tobago – from steelpan and calypso to chutney and parang. She believes that doing so will help children develop a deeper sense of national pride.
“So when you see anything coming from Trinidad and Tobago, you have that sense of pride, you have that sense of unity, you know what it means, you know how it sounds, you don’t have to wonder. You do not have to wonder where you from on this earth. You know you are truly Trinbago.”
Garfield ‘Ras Shorty I’ Blackman was posthumously awarded the Hummingbird Medal Gold for his contribution to arts and culture.