Members of the Ministry of Health team that kept TT up-to-date on covid19-related happenings over the past years were celebrated with national awards on Saturday night.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Roshan Parasram received the Order of the Republic of TT for his work in the sphere of public health while epidemiologist Dr Avery Hinds, principal medical officer Dr Maryam Abdool-Richards, UWI lecturer and thoracic care medical specialist Dr Michelle Trotman, and virologist Prof Christine Carrington all received the Chaconia gold medal.
According to a release from the Office of the President, Parasram served the country 'with distinction during the uncertainty and disruption' of the pandemic, giving unwavering, distinguished and outstanding service to TT.
'He stewarded the nation through highs and lows, his unflappable demeanour and professional approach providing much needed calm amidst the covid19 storm. He quickly became a household name as he tirelessly provided updates and critical information, engaging the media and public daily.'
Speaking to members of the media after the ceremony at NAPA, Port of Spain, Parasram said his goal was never an award. He just did the best he could and tried to keep as many people alive as possible.
"I want to thank the health care workers first of all for their service and diligence. None of us from the health team would really be here without all the hands on deck of the 17,000 health care workers across the country, that have provided and continue to provide yeoman service to the people of TT. We are just here representing all of them collectively."
He said no one person could have done what was necessary to deal with the pandemic. It was a team effort so he was not surprised other members of the ministry team also received awards. He wished all health care workers could be given some kind of honour in the future.
Parasram said he believed the pandemic was coming to an end.
"I think in TT we're getting to a more manageable state but covid19 has really taught us that the uncertainty of a virus never disappears, so we wait and see what happens."
He added that he was heading to the PAHO/WHO's 57th Directing Council in Washington on Sunday morning so he hoped to celebrate on his return.
The President's office said Abdool-Richards - a director of the Heroes Foundation and an executive board member of The Shelter - was a sterling contributor to healthcare delivery during the pandemic.
'Her leadership was instrumental during the development and implementation of the parallel health care system which provided care to covid19 patients while reducing stress on the main health care system.'
Abdool-Richards told Sunday Newsday she was humbled to have been nominated and given the award.
'This award reflects the collective work of a healthcare team of 17,000 led by the chief medical officer, who has consistently demonstrated inspirational leadership with humility. Without their selfless and dili
