Good afternoon.
The Calypsonian Johnny King once sang, “Appreciation plays on the human mind; everyone needs some, for happiness, all the time; everyone needs some, for happiness, all the time.” This afternoon, we gather in a spirit of appreciation, to celebrate an extraordinary group of young people. We gather in appreciation of a group of gifted young persons who, after years of study, sacrifice and self-discipline, have earned every ounce of the recognition and acknowledgement we bestow upon them today.
And so, let me say to each of you, directly, how much we appreciate you, and how tremendously proud we are of your achievements. And, because they also deserve it, let me say directly to your parents, teachers, friends and family, how very much we appreciate the fact that they have stood behind you, pouring their time, energy, resources and love into your success, and walking every step of this journey with you. What a joy and a privilege it must be for them to see the fruit of those efforts on display today! Congratulations, again, to all of you.
We especially appreciate you, our medal winners, because we live in a time when the headlines are too often dominated by negative portrayals of young people, and what you have done, through your achievements, is remind us that there is a different story to be told. You have reminded us of the vast reservoir of positive potential that resides within the young people of our nation. And you have proven, by your actions and your attitudes, that our youth are capable of the highest levels of achievement, not only academically, but across all areas of human endeavour.
In preparing for today’s event, I read some of the newspaper reports about your comments and reactions to having won the President’s Medal. One of the things that struck me was the maturity, thoughtfulness and perspective that many of you expressed. One Medal winner shared that, after coming home from school, he would tackle the subjects he found most difficult first, before moving on to the easier ones – a practice that shows both discipline and strategy. Another spoke about trusting in God, which is as firm a foundation as any young person—or indeed any nation—could hope for. Yet another remarked, “a small step is better than no step at all.” A simple yet potent truth about persistence.
Another thing that struck me was the wisdom that so many of you displayed in recognizing that success is not measured by academic results alone, but also by maintaining balance – often through involvement in extracurricular activities. That concept of balance was a common thread running through quite a few of your stories. While you excelled in your studies, many of you also made the time to play musical instruments, compete in sport and dance, and participate in clubs such as astronomy, debate and cultural organisations.
I was struck by this, not just because your extra-curricular pursuits are impressive in and of themselves, but because I truly believe that they help to cultivate something even more important, perhaps even without you realising it. I believe that the extra-curricular pursuits that you have undertaken, help cultivate civic pride, teamwork, volunteerism, integrity, and respect for others. I believe that they teach you how to lead, how to listen, how to collaborate and, most importantly, how to serve. As fate would have it, Minister Dowlath and I were chatting only yesterday, about how impressed we both are by the fact that today’s parents are recognizing now, more than before, the invaluable benefits of supporting their children’s extra-curricular pursuits. And so, I express appreciation to your parents and your guardians yet again, for their wisdom in supporting you in these efforts. They know to be true, what Minister Dowlath and I believe – that these extra-curricular activities are the building blocks of a strong character, and that they shape our young people into well-rounded, responsible citizens – the kind of citizens our nation needs to progress.
I must confess, though, that, in reading newspaper reports about your comments and reactions to having won the President’s Medal, that the thing that struck me the most, was the commitment you expressed to Trinidad and Tobago, and to letting down your bucket, right here, after you have completed your studies. When I was growing up – and if I am honest, up to not too long ago – one of the issues that concerned our country’s leaders the most, was the issue of a ‘brain drain’. The worry was that the country was investing resources in educating our young people, only to see them pull up stakes and settle abroad, giving the benefit of their intellect and creativity to other countries. I was therefore tremendously pleased to read that the vast majority – if not all – of you, have expressed your commitment to staying in Trinidad and Tobago after you have completed your studies, and to devoting your time and your talents to building our country up. You have no idea how much it warms my soul to know that you love your country that much. It is so good to know that, when it comes to Trinidad and Tobago, your motto, as another of our great Calypsonians, Denise Plummer, sang, is “Nah Leaving”. This, to me, is a demonstration of real integrity. And your country appreciates you for this reason, also.
I know that we have a mixed cohort of medal winners this year – some who have already completed secondary school and have started university, and some who have not yet got quite that far. For those of your cohort who are just entering secondary school, I encourage you to follow the example set by your elder peers here today. Strive for balance in your lives by involving yourselves in extra-curricular activities that help build and shape your character. Join the Scouts or Girl Guides, the Cadet Force, an environmental group, a sports team, a literary club or a cultural organization. These experiences will teach you lessons that no textbook can offer – lessons that shape values which form the foundation of strong individuals and of resilient societies.
And so today, we appreciate you and your tremendous achievements. We look forward with great hope and anticipation to the contributions you will make in the years ahead. You are not only medal winners – you are also the leaders, influencers and change-makers of the future. And as you carry this honour with you, let it remind you always to hold yourselves to the highest standards, not only in what you achieve, but in who you become.
Congratulations once again, and may you continue to shine as examples of what is possible for the youth of our nation.
Thank you.
