Two former top agents

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Two former Acting Police Commissioners will receive national awards in the areas of National Security and Public Service at the National Awards Ceremony at President’s House, St Ann’s, today. The Chaconia Medal Silver will be presented to Stephen Williams and James Philbert.

The Chaconia Medal is awarded for sustained and meritorious service in promoting the national welfare or strengthening the community spirit in Trinidad and Tobago.

Philbert, who was acting chief of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) between 2007 and 2010, said yesterday he was honoured to receive the award and believes it sets an example for those at the helm of the TTPS.

“It tells people working in places like the TTPS how to protect themselves and their integrity, and how to view the service they provide to the public who desperately need it.

“So, for people who are in office, they need to focus on what service is. It’s going to be tough at times, but you have to give yourself the strength, the wit, the courage, the energy and the drive to protect and serve with pride,” Philbert explained.

He said he is still involved in law enforcement, but behind the scenes.

“I still do community work. I help mothers who don’t have money to buy school books, I advise young men in the district (Point Fortin),” he said.

While he celebrated this as an auspicious occasion for him and his family, Philbert acknowledged that criticism from some members of the public may be forthcoming. However, he said he is no stranger to it after spending 43 years in the TTPS.

“I remember what a wise man said years ago, he said that if you look at the conductor when he is on stage, he is not looking at the audience at all, his back is to the audience and he is focusing on the players and directing them so that they deliver great results to the audience. Turning your back does not mean that you do not care about them, but rather that you are concentrating on your work.

“Yes, the criticism will come because nobody is perfect and yes, you will do it wrong in the eyes of some people. I hear people making comments even today and those people have no idea about policing,” Philbert said.

According to the Office of the President, despite the many challenges, Philbert devoted much attention to the investigation of transnational organized crime, the management of illegal weapons and narcotics, human trafficking and crime scene investigation.

Meanwhile, Stephen Williams, who led the TTPS in an acting capacity between 2012 and 2020, would only tell Guardian Media: “I am unable to comment at this time.”

In a summary of his achievements provided by the Office of the President, it was said that Williams served as Gold Commander and led the multinational security task force for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2009. It was said that Williams was the first vice-president of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police in 2016 and is a member of the International Advisory Committee of the Police Executive Programme at the Institute of Criminology at the University of Cambridge.

‘A historic moment for the women of T&T’

In the field of culture, arts and community development, Pan Trinbago President Beverly Ramsey-Moore will tonight receive the Hummingbird Medal Gold.

This medal is awarded for loyal and dedicated services to the country in any field.

She told Guardian Media that this is a victory for all women in steelpan.

“All those women who have embraced me and said ‘Ramsey-Moore, stand strong. ‘You are doing a great job.’ So I feel deeply honored and excited. This is a new moment in history for the women of Trinidad and Tobago who have broken through ceilings and made a significant contribution to the development of the nation,” she said.

The 17th President of Pan Trinbago and the first woman ever to be elected to the position, added that this is a testament to her excellent performance in office.

“This is a big step, knowing where we were in 2018 when I took over, where it was 0 dollars and 0 cents and knowing that my transformational leadership would have played a role in the rise of Steelpan in the world and declaring that there is no season for panning and bringing on board executive champions like the President, the Prime Minister and corporate T&T who are committed to communities, that is a major achievement. Now we have audits and it is about accountability and transparency,” she boasted.

The former 1992 THA delegate for the Black Rock/Whim district wants all women to see this honor as an opportunity to stand strong and never be deterred by attacks against them.

Ramsey-Moore also held the portfolios of Minister for Community Development and Culture and Deputy Minister for Youth and Sport.

In the area of ​​business and community service, Eustace Nancis, the current Chairman of the National Lotteries Board and a director of Paria Fuel Trading Company, will receive the Chaconia Medal Gold.

Nancis, who was the 40th mayor of Arima, gave other citizens some advice.

“I feel humbled and honoured to have received such an award. I have been in business for 44 years and 24 of those years I have also worked in government service. In 2003 I became mayor of Arima. I do yeoman service when I am called upon. My advice to others is to persevere, if you can’t make it to the Olympics, you can make it to the President’s House,” Nancis said.

Nancis is also the owner of Arima Door Centre. He has contributed to sporting events, athletes and religious events over the years.

Anon Naipaul, chairman of Xtra Foods Supermarket, also receives an award in this category for his contribution to the business community.

Contacted yesterday, Naipaul said: “I accept this award with great humility and gratitude. I thank God for his benevolence and guidance, I thank our citizens and our leaders for this recognition.”

He added: This will inspire and give me the impetus to do more for our country. I dedicate this award to all my diligent and caring employees and loyal customers of Xtra Foods.”

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