35 recipients honoured at Trinidad and Tobago’s 57th National Awards

Trinidad and Tobago: Thirty-five recipients were honoured at the 57th National Awards Ceremony on Thursday, September 24, 2026, as Trinidad and Tobago celebrated the 50th anniversary of becoming a Republic.

President Christine Carla Kangaloo presented the awards at Queen’s Hall, recognising 32 individuals and three organisations for their outstanding contributions to national development across a range of fields.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad of Trinidad and Tobago also congratulated these recipients and expressed pleasure for making huge contributions in the prosperity and well-being of the nation.

Notably, the award ceremony forms part of the republic anniversary of the country which they secured in 1962. Since then, it established its own National Awards to honour the works done by the individuals and organisations for welfare of the country.

The first National Awards were presented in 1969. It is important to note that a well- defined multi-stage process is followed to select the recipients. The process begins with public participation. Any citizen can nominate the name of any person whom he/she believes has done outstanding service to the nation.

Submissions are hosted online by the office of the prime minister. All submitted applications are then forwarded to the National Awards Committee chaired by Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago. The committee goes through the list, background verification and prepares the list of candidates.

The list then goes to the Prime Minister who can accept, reject or add names to this list. Once the nominee officially consents, he / she is conferred the honour on Republic Day.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago shared happy moments with the awardees, guests and citizens. The national award recipients shared their life journeys. Swami Prakashananda received the national award- Hummingbird Medal, on behalf of Chinmaya Mission Trinidad and Tobago.

The award is awarded for selfless service to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Swami Prakashnanda was greeted by the PM, First Gentleman, and the Chief Justice. Every citizen of Trinidad and Tobago who gets this award becomes a part of the Distinguished Society of Trinidad and Tobago. And every non - citizen on being awarded becomes a member of Distinguished Society. Only citizens are eligible for the award.

The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is the country’s highest award, and may be awarded to citizens as well as non- citizens.