For the first time in many years no one from the sphere of sport was considered for a national award, the highlight of the annual Independence Day celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago.
Three of the top sporting administrators did not nominate anyone, but also they were not contacted by the awards committee either to provide verification on any nominees.
During yesterday's ceremony none of the 32 recipients honoured received the country's highest honour–the Order of the Republic of T&T (ORTT)–from President Anthony Carmona, who was the host of the National Awards function which took place at Queen's Hall, St Ann's.
The process of honouring nationals for their contributions to sport and other spheres over the years seems to be unclear to many, despite the fact that the information is available on the government's website www.ttconnect.gov.tt which outlines how someone can be nominated for an award.
When the T&T Guardian contacted the presidents the three leading sporting organisations in T&T, the Cricket Board which is led by Azim Bassarath, the National Athletic of Athletic Administration (NAAA) Ephraim Serrette and the T&T Football Association (TTFA) David John Williams, expressed disappointment, but did not want to put the blame solely on the organisers since they were not sure as to what the process has been.
According to John Williams: "All sports have become a very integral part of the society in Trinidad and Tobago. It is a bit disappointing not seeing any sportsperson or sport administrator being honored this Independence."He added: "I also have to ask if any sporting body or organisation nominated persons to the National Awards Committee."
Bassarath said: "I'm very disappointed that not a single person from sport, not a single player or administrator was afforded recognition for this Independence."He pointed out that: "For 2016 the sport of cricket in T&T had 17 players involved in three West Indies teams that emerged as world champions and none of them were recognised.
"Sport is very important in the social development of our young people and our country. It is used as a tool to fight crime and build character among our young people. Sport brings us international pride and glory and yet it has to struggle for recognisation on a day like today."
Serrette told us that he is not sure what happened: "I don't know if any organisation nominated or recommended anyone to the committee and the nominations were not accepted.
"We need to find out what the process is so that in the future we must ensure that sport is well represented. The NAAA did not nominate anyone for 2016."
Meanwhile, former national footballer and coach and cricketer Alvin Corneal, who in 2009 was the recipient of the Hummingbird Silver Medal for sport, said the national sporting organisations seem to have forgotten about the opportunity which can bring honour to some of the persons who have given yeoman service to their organisations.
He said: "The sports fans will be disappointed over this omission, seeing that there have been many outstanding sports personalities who were bypassed over the years.
"While the current stars who performed this year will be contenders for sports personalities of the year, those who gave service to the country over the years may still be bypassed."He continued it's a sad blow for sport and could easily cause the public to assume that sport is not as accepted as the years gone by.
However, eight citizens received the country's second highest award–the Chaconia Gold Medal–for distinguished and outstanding service to the country in celebration of the nation's 54th Independence anniversary.
NOMINEES
NATIONAL AWARDS NOMINEES
Nominations for National Awards are done annually. There is a National Awards Committee to oversee the procedure.In order that fair consideration be given to nominees, the National Awards Committee asks that the submission of nominees be made early, giving full detailed information, thereby building a solid and convincing case.
This includes the nominee's name and activities, including how long he/she has done the work for which the person nominating him/her thinks he/she deserves the award.
The members of the National Awards Committee will then carry out a proper investigation of the nominees' activities in the field, after which, the Committee then considers all the recommendations submitted.
Then the Committee forwards a shortened list to the Prime Minister for his consideration.