In a night of reflection and fond reminiscence at the Hyatt Regency on Saturday 17th January, NIHERST celebrated its 30th anniversary and also bid farewell to outgoing President, Maureen Manchouck. Following the theme, “Ode to Dreams”, the gala event chronicled NIHERST’s history, from a fledgling organization driving pioneering and progressive ventures in scientific research and tertiary education, into one of the country’s leading institutions focused on developing a strong national culture of science, technology and innovation (STI), particularly through its flagship science popularisation initiative.
The institute commemorated its many achievements since its incorporation in 1984, and paid tribute to their leader who had served the organisation for 35 years. It also honoured its relationships and partnerships with key persons and institutions that have been part of its success over the decades.
Prof. Prakash Persad, Chairman of NIHERST, praised the institute’s unwavering dedication to driving the country forward, and noted the importance of its work towards the development of Trinidad and Tobago’s future beyond oil and gas. Delivering “The Story of NIHERST”, NIHERST board member, Prof. Stephan Gift, spoke of the culture of creativity, resourcefulness and hard work that has given rise to “the NIHERST spirit” and produced many NIHERST “firsts” over the decades, including the many programmes and activities that broke ground and introduced new developments to Trinidad and Tobago in the areas within the institute’s mandate to promote STI.
Special awards of recognition were presented to four ministers: Dr. The Honourable Rupert Griffith, Minister of Science and Technology, and Sport who is NIHERST’s line minister; Senator the Honourable Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie, Minister of Planning and Sustainable Development – a former NIHERST Chairman; Senator the Honourable Fazal Karim, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, immediate past line minister of the institute; and Dr. The Hon. Tim Gopeesingh, Minister of Education.
The institute also paid tribute to its past chairs including those present: Minister Tewarie, Eng. Hollis Charles and Professor Courtenay Bartholomew, and honoured some long-serving retirees. Regrettably absent were Clive Pantin, Prof. Kenneth Julien, and Governor of the Central Bank, Jwala Rambarran.
The homage paid to Maureen Manchouck and her legacy came through many tributes from her NIHERST colleagues, as well as regional and international associates. All painted a consistent and glowing portrait of a visionary and a nurturing leader, who steered the institute through challenging times to ensure its survival and continued success to date. Most notable was her single-minded dedication to initiating and developing the institute’s extensive science popularisation programme, which has made it the leader in this field, both nationally and regionally, and has built the in-house capacity to support the upcoming establishment of its Science City in Couva.
NIHERST's Mission
To provide intellectual leadership
and to promote research, development and quality service in the areas of
Science, Technology and Higher Education.
