T&T's beloved historian and author, Angelo Bissessarsingh passed away this week at his home in Brook Gardens, Siparia from pancreatic cancer.  A Hummingbird Gold Medalist in 2016, Mr. Bissessarsingh will be remembered for his contributions to preserving the country's heritage, though his books Walking with the Ancestors—The Historic Cemeteries of Trinidad, Snapshots of the History of Trinidad and Tobago, Virtual Glimpses into the Past; and Pancho’s Dilemma. He also founded the  Virtual Museum of T&T.  A release from the Prime Minister' s Office , stated "Angelo will be remembered as a man driven by his passion to explore and share the rich history of Trinidad and Tobago and for his national service he was awarded the Hummingbird Medal Gold in 2016. His work as a cultural archivist and author shows us that the task of preserving our country’s history is not the work of academics and formal institutions” 
“He has proven that people with curious minds and a love for knowledge can be some of our most shining examples of citizenship.”
Source:  Trinidad Guardian

It is not yet final, but T&T's Men’s relay team are in line to be awarded the gold medal for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing  for their 4 x 100 meter relay. The Jamaican team have been stripped of their  gold medal because one runner, Nesta Carter, was found guilty of a doping violation, the International Olympic Committee said today. 
​Carter initially tested negative after the race in 2008. But his sample was one of many retested by the I.O.C. last year. It was found to contain a prohibited stimulant, methylhexaneamine.  The downside of this is that Usain Bolt has lost a gold medal...but he said he will return the gold medal when asked to do so.
Trinidad and Tobago team had placed 2nd in the event and the team members were: Keston Bledman, Marc Burns, Emmanuel Callender and Richards Thompson.
Japan will now receive the silver and Brazil the bronze.
It should be noted that the TTOC has not yet received any formal notifications from the International Olympic Committee  on how their decision will affect the T&T Relay team.  Stay tuned. 

A leading member of the Commonwealth Youth Council has become the youngest ever senator in Trinidad and Tobago’s history. Nikoli Edwards, aged 25, was sworn in as a temporary independent senator by the country’s President, Anthony Carmona on 11 January 2017.
In his maiden speech to the Senate, Mr Edwards spoke of the importance of young people having a voice in creating national legislation.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to say how grateful I am to be addressing this honourable chamber,” Mr Edwards said. “For me, and to many other young people across Trinidad and Tobago, this signals hope. It signals that there is in fact opportunity for young people.”
The young senator was speaking during a Senate debate on the Miscellaneous Provisions (Marriage) Bill 2016, during which he argued passionately against early marriage.
In Trinidad and Tobago’s Senate, independent senators are selected by the President as representatives of civil society. Mr Edwards was appointed as a temporary senator while a permanent senator is out of the country.
In a statement, Mr Edwards said, “By allowing a youth voice to occupy the independent bench of the Senate, my appointment has demonstrated the commitment by President Carmona to the youth of Trinidad and Tobago.
“I hope to bring a youth and civil society perspective to the Senate that is informed by my interactions with many youth organisations and individuals across the country and the Commonwealth.”
Mr Edwards was elected to the Commonwealth Youth Council in November 2015 and serves as Vice Chair for Policy, Advocacy and Projects. He is also founder and chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Youth Convention.
Katherine Ellis, Director of Youth at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said, "Nikoli is to be congratulated on his achievement. It is wonderful to see the passion with which he is already advocating on issues that are important to young people.
“We hope to see more Commonwealth young leaders moving into positions where they can directly influence policy in their countries."
Source:  The Commonwealth 

 (Photo (L-R): Nejev Polo, Sharnavi Sagramsingh, Caitlin Brooker, Michael Beepath, Priya Maraj, Raquel Le Blanc)
Wow, the girls rocked this year, taking the lion’s share of President’s Medals, with five girls winning gold and silver medals and one boy, Michael Beepath, winning a silver medal.
Six students received their medals from President Anthony Carmona at yesterday’s presentation ceremony for the 2016 Awards of National Scholarships and Awards System (Incentives to Excellence) at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), Port-of-Spain. Congratulations to all these young people - and to the parents and teachers.  Was so glad to see a student from my old alma mater (St. Joseph's Convent) winning a gold medal!
The medal winners are as follows:
Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE)
GOLD: Priya Maraj (Lakshmi Girls Hindu College)
GOLD: Raquel Le Blanc (St Joseph's Convent, Port of Spain)
Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC)
GOLD: Nejev Polo (St Francois Girls College)
SILVER: Sharnavi Sagramsingh (Naparima Girls High School)
Secondary Entrance Exam (SEA)
GOLD: Caitlin Brooker (San Fernando TML)
SILVER: Michael Beepath (Avocat Vedic Primary)

The Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard has been announced the 2017 winner of the Helicopter Association International (HAI) Salute to Excellence “Leonardo Humanitarian Service Award”.
The HAI is an international body that advances the international helicopter community by providing programs that enhance safety, encourage professionalism and economic viability while promoting the unique contributions vertical flight offers.
In acknowledging receipt of the award, the Commanding Officer, Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard, Group Captain Darryl Daniel stated that “This is an outstanding achievement for the Air Guard, especially the Rotary Wing that is only six years old since initiation by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in 2007 and is a testimony to an excellent Medium Twin Turbine Helicopter (MTH) Program. Well done to the Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard and its partners Leonard Helicopters (LHD), Cobham Helicopters Limited (CHL) and Helidecks”.
The Ministry of National Security extended congratulations to the Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard on receiving the award and for the excellent service provided to the country and our Caribbean neighbours. (Courtsey Loop News) 

On January 2, 2017 Aryan Sinanan raised the Trinidad and Tobago flag at the base camp on Mt. Everest.  The 29 year old Mr. Sinanan, originally from Fishing Pond near Sangre Grande set out on this adventure on December 25th, 2016, spending his Christmas and New year climbing.  It took him eight days to climb up and four to getback down.  More proof that we are indeed a nation of world travellers.

​The Trinidad and Tobago Chinese Steel Ensemble celebrated it's 10th anniversary in late 2016. Originally founded by the late Susie Ho, the band is led by Douglas "Dougie" Redon. Although their mandate is to maintain 50% of their repertoire of Chinese origin, the ensemble also has a sizeable repertoire of chinese folk songs fused with the rhythms of the Caribbean, South America, soca, classical and pop pieces.  The band has become well known, performing at many cultural events over the years both locally at such events as the Annual Dragon Boat festival, Pan on D'Avenue, and WeBeat St. James Live; and internationally, performing at events in China, Dublin, Limerick, and Ireland.  
On December 22, 2016, special tribute was paid to Susie Young, dedicated band captain, Carol Mayers and Lori Lee Lum, who have been with the band since its inception, and the late Susie Ho.