National award recipient, Express Editor-at-Large Keith Smith, says he was humbled by the honour bestowed upon him, and has urged young aspiring journalists to be passionate about justice and society.
Smith yesterday received the Humming Bird Medal Silver for journalism from President George Maxwell Richards at the National Awards Ceremony at President’s House in St Ann’s.
’I am humbled really,’ said Smith said afterwards, as he expressed his appreciation that his hard work over the years had been recognised.
He admitted that there were high and lows in the media, but stressed the need for young journalists to understand the history of this country.
’Many of our young journalists don’t understand that Trinidad and Tobago has a history. It didn’t begin last year or when they came into the profession,’ he said, adding that they must learn the political, social and economic history of the country.
Smith emphasised the power of the pen, saying, ’You have to have a passion for justice to see that everybody gets as fair a deal as possible. You have to empathise with the weak and you have to be on the side of the people who do not have a voice.’
He noted that journalists do not have the typical 8-to-4 job and that they are called to work on holidays and events such as Christmas and Carnival. However, he stressed that there were many rewards to be reaped.
’While it interrupts your social life, it opens doors that would have never been open if you were not a journalist ... you meet people from the President to the pauper. It’s a wonderful job,’ he said.
What is in an award? Nothing really but some recognition. The government should give a stipen of $10,000 along with much deserved award. Keith should also be sent on a month long vacation to Hawaii... Then these awards would truly mean something. It is time T&T set the standard for awards...
Dear Keith:
I am a Trini in California, I can say we almost grew up together, and even now after almost 47 years since I left Pashley Street, I can see how pasionate you were to your profession. I am very proud of you. God Bless you & yours.
Cy (one of Mr.John's son) in Cal.,USA
I am extremely happy for you. I remember you from the UWI, and also a brother from Success Village, Laventille. You must have a passion for what you do when you work in certain professions, if not you never find satisfaction. Well done, Keith
Smith, and Congratualtions! ac,md
I still hold to my guns(that people like Keith are "short-changed,with these awards) and this is partially,because of how Government Ministers and their families are treated.Most of them do nothing,absolutely nothing for the country,but share in tangible benefits(Big Cash),through vacations,fringe-benefits,etc.People liKe Keith Smith,who I also remember,while I was growing up.He survived all the gangwars,and uplifted himself,without any meaningful handout from the government.He had the oppotunity to take the easy road(CRIME,HOOLIGANISM),but he did not.Now his rigtheous choice to stay on the "clean path"is,really serving the country positively.By virtue of his chosen Profession,which he is a Master at,he is instrumental,in causing tourists to flock to T@T,for cultural,social,political and other educational/events, reasons.This has a tremendous positive economical impact for the country.That's why I say he deserves much more than a medal.Aubert Modeste
"By virtue of his chosen Profession,which he is a Master at,he is instrumental,in causing tourists to flock to T@T,for cultural, social, political and other educational/ events, reasons.This has a tremendous positive economical impact for the country.That's why I say he deserves much more than a medal.Aubert Modeste"
Mr. Modeste, I echo your words and your sentiment - well said. Keith Smith is an icon and should be treated as such.
Atlanta, GA
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