When the 2019 National Awards were presented on Tuesday September 24, 2019, one recipient was unfortunately absent. Dr. Sister Phyllis Wharfe, who was to receive a Medal of Merit Gold in recognition of her work in the spheres of Education and the Empowerment of Women, was extremely ill and unable to make the journey from Tobago.
Informed of the gravity of Dr. Sister Phyllis Wharfe’s medical state and of her desire to receive her award in person, President Weekes took the decision to present Dr. Sister Wharfe with her award in hospital.
So it was that at 10am on Friday September 27, with her sister, a friend, and a nurse as witnesses, a full Investiture was conducted at the Scarborough General Hospital: the Aide-de-Camp announced the Award, the recipient’s bio was read out loud and the medal was, at her request, pinned to her garment by President Weekes.
Dr. Sister Wharfe was immensely proud and happy to receive her National Award which she so richly deserved from President Weekes.
With the recipient’s permission, the Office of the President took photographs of the event and shared with the public.
The Office of the President thanks Dr. Agatha Carrington, Secretary of Health, Wellness and Development and senior administrators and medical professionals at the Scarborough General Hospital. The Office of the President is also grateful to the Secretary of the Division of Tourism, Culture and Transportation, Councillor Nadine Stewart Phillips for allowing us the use of her staff photographer to capture the moment.
