He went for Gold at the Athens Olympics and got Bronze but today, swimmer George Bovell III, will receive his second national gold medal.
By Prior BeharryHe is among seven people receiving the highest national award offered this year since no one was awarded the Trinity Cross. Last year, Bovell was awarded the Humming Bird (Gold) award.
Joining Bovell on the list for Chaconia Gold are professional golfer Stephen Ames, businessman Arthur Lok Jack, two retired permanent secretaries- Zaida Rajnauth and Joan Massiah-as well as executive chairman of Petrotrin, Malcolm Jones and pensioner Sarah Whiteman.
Commenting on her son's award yesterday, Marilyn Ames said: "I'm delighted, it's a great honour that they (the Government) have recognised his achievement. And I'm sure Stephen would be extremely appreciative of it. Unfortunately, he won't be here for the award. But he will be here in September to accept it."
Acting Inspector Edward Williams is being honoured posthumously with a Humming Bird Medal (Gold).
The bodyguard of former president Arthur NR Robinson died when he was shot five times on August 10 at the St Augustine home of Dr Marjorie Thorpe, a member of the Police Service Commission, where Robinson had gone to attend a dinner party. To date no one has been held for his murder.
Williams is among four people receiving posthumous awards as the country celebrates its 42nd year as an Independent nation today.
Other posthumous awards go to Fenrick De Four (Chaconia Silver) for public service in engineering and writer Barnabas Ramon Fortune Humming Bird (Gold) for literature.
Former customs officer Carl de Souza, who was murdered outside his home in December 2001, will also be honoured posthumously with a Public Service Medal of Merit (Gold).
Receiving the Humming Bird Medal (Silver) are Veera Bhajan, who attained six distinctions at Ordinary Levels despite being born without arms, for youth inspiration and development; and 17-year-old Rhonda Charles, who ran into a burning house to rescue her 76-year-old blind grandmother and her seven-month-old granddaughter, for gallantry.
Bhajan said yesterday: "I hope my award will inspire other students to excel in their studies. I am happy and proud to get a national award."
For long and meritorious service in the sphere of culture the Clico Shiv Shakti Dance Co Ltd and the Malick Folk Performing Company are each awarded Chaconia Medal Silver.
Artiste Alyson Brown and musician Roy Cape are to receive Humming Bird Gold for loyal and devoted service in the sphere of culture.
Folklorist and writer Albert 'Al' Ramsawack and the Lara Brothers parang group will also get a Humming Bird Medal (Silver) each.
Also receiving the Public Service Medal of Merit are retired permanent secretaries Joseph Allard and Cislyn Baptiste as well as Librarian Pamella Benson.
Within the last seven years no Trinity Cross was awarded in 1997 and 2001. The country's highest award remains an issue of contention as some non-Christians remain opposed to it. Last year the Trinity Cross was bestowed on Chief Justice Sat Sharma and Pro Ken Julien.
Among the 32 awards being handed out by President George Maxwell Richards at a gala ceremony at President's House from 6 p.m. today, ten are for women.
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