Calypsonians Crazy and the late Mighty Bomber also recognised

Dr Wayne Frederick, the 2020 recipient of Trinidad and Tobago’s highest honour, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, said he was humbled by the award.

After two consecutive years without any National Awards ceremony, deserving recipients returned to President’s House, St Ann’s, where Dr Frederick received the highest honour as he and other awardees were recognised and awarded across five categories.

Dr Frederick was the lone recipient of the ORTT, a title bestowed on a national or non-national who has rendered distinguished and outstanding service to the country.

Speaking with members of the media after being presented with the award, he said the moment was an emotional one for him.

“It’s a very humbling honour, a bit bittersweet, my stepfather passed away earlier today so that was certainly trying, he was a public servant just like my mother but certainly very humbling. I think what this country poured into me to be so honoured by my own exploits is very humbling.”

Dr Frederick is currently serving as the distinguished Charles R. Drew Endowed Chair of Surgery at the Howard University College of Medicine. He is the author of numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, abstracts, and editorials, and is a widely recognised expert on disparities in health care and medical education. In April 2020, he become the first-ever recipient of the Educator Award from the Lowell F. Hawthorne Foundation Incorporated.

The ORTT was awarded in the field of medicine/education and according to Dr Frederick, it is critically important to continue his volunteerism here at home.

“We’ve held recruiting trips here in schools like in Laventille. I think it is important to provide an opportunity for other young people to see a model, somebody who benefited from the public system both in education and health, I have sickle cell so the health system was very germane to my own development,” he said.

Dr Frederick urged the nation’s youth to persevere and rise above the challenges that have stemmed from growth and development for many.

“As I studied Social Studies in particular and thought about heroes that went before me, it was always something I aspired to and always felt that this country gave to us in terms of opportunity, removing barriers, so I hope any young people looking on would be inspired to go after their dream.”

Four current and former media personalities, former Guardian Media stalwarts Dominic Kalipersad and Neil Guiseppi, as well as Debbie Jacob and Reeanna Harrilal were honoured with Chaconia and Hummingbird Medals for their contributions to society.

Veteran calypsonian Edwin “Crazy” Ayoung, deceased calypsonian Clifton “Mighty Bomber” Ryan and deceased pan arranger/ musician Ken “Professor” Philmore also received Chaconia and Hummingbird Medals.

The scaled-down gala event kicked off with President Paula-Mae Weekes, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Chief Justice Ivor Archie on hand to congratulate the awardees.