President George Maxwell Richards has showered praise on former national football coach Bertille St Clair for his input in the early preparation of the Soca Warriors for next year's World Cup in Germany.
He said Tobago could be justly proud that two of its sons - Captain Dwight Yorke and defender Cyd Gray - were part of the team that defeated Bahrain last month, consequently earning Trinidad and Tobago a spot in the World Cup Finals in Germany.
"We applaud the work that has been done over the years to bring us to this point and there is no gainsaying that our own Bertille St Clair must share in the honours. His initial input cannot be discounted and so we congratulate him and all the people of Tobago who stood behind his effort," President told guests at a reception at President's House, Tobago last week Friday night.
St Clair who was among the guests was roundly applauded. Earlier in the day he received his National Award - the Chaconia Medal (Silver) for community service from the President at President's House.
Earlier President Richards said it was always a great pleasure for he and his wife to be in Tobago and were especially happy to be here at this time of the year in the season of Christmas festivities and when the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) was celebrating its 25th Anniversary. "I want to take this opportunity to extend heartiest congratulations to the people of Tobago on this landmark anniversary."
He told his guests that he hoped they had achieved something positive this year even though it may not be to the degree that was hoped.
"We tend to ignore small things, at our peril sometimes, but we must try to see even small successes as making a necessary and vital contribution to the way things develop in our lives," he added.
President Richards noted that major accomplishments occupy much time in the electronic media and the front pages of the print media, as do disasters, but less spectacular events were not usually heralded.
He said the relentless tenacity displayed as Tobagonians sought to overcome the damage that resulted from considerable flooding may pass without national attention, nevertheless, it spoke volumes for the character of the people of the island that, while seeking improvement in their circumstances, they have not bowed to them.