In a significant recognition of academic achievement, the Trinidad and Tobago government has announced the recipients of the prestigious 2026 President’s Medals for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE). Elizabeth Singh of Naparima Girls High School and Aliya Serrette of Bishop Anstey High School and Trinity College East (BATCE) have been honored as the nation’s top performers in their respective academic categories.
The announcement was formally made by Professor Prakash Persad, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, during a January 23 session in the House of Representatives. Minister Persad revealed that alongside these honors, the government will disburse 105 national scholarships totaling $35.8 million, representing an increase from the 103 scholarships awarded in 2025.
Academic excellence was categorized into two distinct fields. Singh emerged as the outstanding student in the Environmental Studies, Information Communication Technology, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences division. Serrette distinguished herself in the Business Studies, Creative Writing and Performance Studies, General Studies, Modern Studies and Humanities, Language Studies, and Technical Studies category.
The scholarship allocation comprises 47 open scholarships and 58 additional scholarships, as approved by the Cabinet based on recommendations from the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training. Demographic data shows 39 male and 66 female recipients among the scholars.
Minister Persad emphasized the ongoing accountability requirements for scholarship recipients, noting that their academic performance will be monitored by the ministry’s scholarship department throughout their studies. Scholars must maintain the required cumulative grade point average to continue receiving support.
The minister extended congratulations to all awardees, highlighting that their achievements bring pride to the government, ministry, nation, families, and educational institutions. The nation anticipates their future contributions to national development upon successful completion of their studies.