Lawrence Duprey C.M.T.T. might be stripped of his national award

By: Jeff Gill - Monday, Feb 6, 2012 - 08:23:26 PM

Lawrence André Duprey C.M.T.T. -- photo: caribbean360

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago -- Former CL Financial executive chairman Lawrence André Duprey C.M.T.T. might be stripped of his national award (Chaconia Gold Medal) in the wake of the CLF/Colonial Life Insurance Co (CLICO) meltdown.

Duprey was awarded the nation's second highest honour, the Chaconia Gold Medal, in 1999 by then President ANR Robinson for service in the field of business.

According to the Constitution, national awards are bestowed by the President but only acting on the advice of the Prime Minister, who must act after consideration of the recommendations of the National Awards Committee.

Once a citizen is bestowed with a national award, that citizen automatically becomes a member of what is known as the Distinguished Society of Trinidad and Tobago.

THE DISTINGUISHED SOCIETY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

The Distinguished Society of Trinidad and Tobago, consist of the President of Trinidad and Tobago and the members and honorary members of the Society. Every citizen of Trinidad and Tobago to whom the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the Chaconia Medal, the Humming Bird Medal or the Medal of Merit is awarded is a Member of the Society.

The Distinguished Society is selected by a standing National Awards Committee comprising, the Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago who shall be the Chairman of the Committee; the Chairman of the Public Service Commission; the Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission; the Chairman of the Elections Commission; a Senior Public Officer appointed by the Prime Minister; two persons representative of the General Public appointed by the Prime Minister.

THE CHACONIA GOLD MEDAL

The Chaconia Medal of the Distinguished Society of Trinidad and Tobago may be awarded to any person who has performed long and meritorious service to Trinidad and Tobago tending to promote the national welfare or strengthen the community spirit.

A person to whom the Chaconia Medal is awarded have the letters "C.M.T.T." placed after his name on all occasions when the use of such letters is customary; and wear as a decoration the insignia prescribed by the President for recipients of the Chaconia Medal.