H.E. Garvin Nicholas Holds Black Tie Gala and Awards Ceremony in Honour of Trinidad and Tobago’s 50th Anniversary of Independence.
LONDON, 14th September 2012 – As our nation celebrates turning 50, H.E. Garvin Nicholas hosted a Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony on September 8th 2012 at the Royal Gardens Hotel to recognise the many Trinidad and Tobago nationals who have flown the Flag of our country in London and beyond. Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, the Hon. Vasant Bharath, several High Commissioners, BPTT President Norman Christie and several distinguished guests were in attendance.
His Excellency Garvin Nicholas with Awardee Mr. Ronald Samm, tenor. Photo courtesy Frederique Rapier
Our country’s successes in the last 50 years are attributed to the talents and dedication of our nationals. The High Commissioner says that our nationals are our young nation’s greatest resource. He wanted an awards ceremony to be included in the High Commission’s 50th Anniversary of Independence celebrations to honour these nationals for their excellence in the Art, Governance and Politics, Business, Academia, Sports, and Outstanding Service to the Community.
Photo courtesy Frederique Rapier
Trinidad and Tobago’s Honorary Consuls for the Kingdom of Denmark, the Republic of Finland, the Federal Republic of Germany and the Kingdom of Norway were rewarded for their Outstanding Service to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. The High Commission is also accredited to those countries. The High Commission is also accredited to those countries.
Mr. Norman Christis, President of BP Trinidad and Tobago. Photo courtesy Frederique Rapier
However as it does not have a physical presence in them, it relies heavily on the assistance of Honorary Consuls to look after the interests of Trinidad and Tobago. The Honorary Consuls receive no funding from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and they give of their time and resources to assist our nationals in these countries.
Photo courtesy Frederique Rapier
His Excellency read from The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s speech to Nationals Abroad during the ceremony. In it he conveyed the Prime Minister’s thank you to nationals abroad for the “recognition and honour (they brought) to Trinidad and Tobago in the fields of literature, mathematics, medicine, the arts, international relations, politics and sport.”
Senator The Honourable Vasant Bharath Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment with Mr. Bernd Listner, Honorary Consul for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Germany. Photo courtesy Frederique Rapier
The Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony was sponsored by BP Trinidad and Tobago. Guests were treated to champagne upon entry and a four-course meal at the five star hotel.
Awardees: Mr. Rudolph Walker, OBE & Baroness Floella Benjamin, OBE. Photo courtesy Frederique Rapier
The actress Renee Castle was the Mistress of Ceremonies. Some of Trinidad and Tobago’s most talented performers entertained guests at the dinner including Calypso Rose, and famed tenor Neil Latchman.
The evening was well received with many of the awardees and their guests staying on to dance until well after 2am.
