Capturing the Order of the Republic of T&T (ORTT) awards last night were civil engineer Dr Lenny Saith, medical researcher Prof Courtenay Bartholomew and calypsonian Mc Cartha Linda Sandy-Lewis.
Sandy-Lewis, who received the award for culture and music and Bartholomew, whose development in medicine and public service earned him the accolade, were not present to collect their awards from Carmona and Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.
Saith, who won the ORTT for national development and public service, in a brief interview, said he was very grateful for the award.
“You do what you have to do, and at the end of the day it is recognised, it adds to it,” Saith said.
Saying he was taken by surprise at being given the award, Saith, who acted as prime minister in Patrick Manning’s absence, admitted the country was going through difficult times.
“And in difficult times there is more stress on society.”
Saith complimented the PM for managing the economy, which he said was stagnated.
“It’s not easy, it’s not easy in the environment…the political environment we have. I am very pleased that they are keeping things on an even keel. It’s not an easy time,” he said.
He said to be in Government and not have money was a different situation.
“This time not only requires prudent spending but ensuring that you get value for money.”
At times like these, Saith said the country has to rally together to fight the tough times.
“What I’m hoping is that notwithstanding we have opposing views and parties, there must be an understanding that things must be done in a way to keep the country together. Otherwise, we would all suffer.”
Saith also gave the Government a seven out of ten rating.