The University of the West Indies (The UWI) St Augustine Campus congratulates the recipients of Trinidad and Tobago’s 2022 National Awards which were hosted by the Office of the President on Republic Day, (September 24).

The UWI community, in a statement, said it is proud to note that among the national award recipients are several current and former members of UWI St Augustine staff.

Notably, these include: 

• Dr Sterling Frost, professor of practice at the Faculty of Social Sciences and president of The UWI Development and Endowment Fund, who received the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (the nation’s highest award) for distinguished and outstanding service, in the spheres of banking, education and community service;
• Christine Carrington, professor of molecular genetics and virology in the Faculty of Medical Sciences, who received the Chaconia Medal Gold for leadership in molecular genetics and virology;
• Dr Gabrielle Hosein, senior lecturer at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies, who received the Medal for the Development of Women in the gold category, for her work in the sphere of public education and advocacy;
• Dr Primnath Gooptar, an Indian cinema lecturer in The UWI Film Degree Programme, who received the Hummingbird Medal in the gold category, for his singular contribution to national culture.
• Kit Fai Pun, professor of industrial engineering, engineering education and research of the Faculty of Engineering, who was bestowed with the Hummingbird Medal in the gold category, for engineering education and research;
• Dr Jerome Teelucksingh, a lecturer in the Faculty of Humanities and Education, awarded the Hummingbird Medal in the gold category, for education and volunteerism;
• Gordon Rohlehr, professor emeritus in the Faculty of Humanities (Literature), who was bestowed the Chaconia Medal in the silver category, in the spheres of literature, culture, history and education;
• Hazel Franco, dance coordinator from the Department of Creative and Festival Arts, who was awarded the Chaconia Medal in the silver category, for her contribution to the performing arts; and
• Edgar Duncan, professor emeritus, who received the Chaconia Medal in the bronze category, for his contribution to education and research.

Honorary UWI graduates were also among these distinguished national award holders as well. 

Dr Roshan Parasram, honorary graduate and chief medical officer in the Trinbagonian Ministry of Health, was also given the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for his distinguished and outstanding service in the sphere of public health. Marina Salandy-Brown, another honorary graduate and president of the Bocas Lit Fest, received the Hummingbird Medal in the silver category for arts and literacy.

Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, Pro Vice-Chancellor and principal of The UWI St Augustine campus, warmly congratulated the 2022 National Award recipients, thanking them for their contributions both to UWI and to the wider community.

“Your dedication and talents that you have shared with your community brought you to this point and you richly deserve this mark of success. I am sure you and your families are overjoyed with this national recognition. We, in the St Augustine Campus community, share in your joy and are so proud of your inspiring achievements!” said Professor Antoine.

She also extended congratulations to Darren Paul, an employee of the bursary at the St Augustine Campus and father of gold Hummingbird Medal recipient and sportsman Nicholas Paul.