Tuesday, August 29 2006

TRIBUTE could be paid to deceased former President Noor Hassanali at this year’s National Awards Ceremony which takes place at President’s House on Independence Day, sources said yesterday during the pre-National Awards media briefing at President’s House. However, the officials were unable to say what kind of tribute would be paid to the 88-year-old Hassanali who died last week at his Westmoorings home. Hassanali already possesses a Trinity Cross, TT’s highest honour.

Meanwhile, there remains no word as to whether anyone would receive whatever has been designated to replace the Trinity Cross as the nation’s highest award, at this year’s ceremony.

Officials said they would be receiving the list of national awardees and the honours that would be conferred upon them tomorrow morning and have received no word as to whether anyone would receive the Trinity Cross or whatever award has been chosen to replace it. Last week, Newsday reported sources saying that no one would receive the Trinity Cross at this year’s ceremony.

Following a recent High Court judgment which said the Trinity Cross could be viewed as offensive to non-Christian religions in TT, Prime Minister Patrick Manning announced that the Trinity Cross would be replaced as the nation’s highest award. To date, Government has not revealed what has been chosen to replace the Trinity Cross.

Presidential officials said the format for the awards ceremony, which will be attended by government ministers, members of the diplomatic corps and other dignitaries, will be the same as it has been in previous years. They added that the media, guests and awardees need to be aware of the strict security measures and other protocols that would be in force at President’s House on Thursday and to cooperate with the relevant authorities.

Following the formal part of the ceremony, the guests will be treated to cultural performances and fireworks.