It’s official!

The ANSA McAL Group has acquired the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT) medal which was being sold on eBay.

Group Chairman and Chief Executive of the ANSA McAL Group,
Mr A. Norman Sabga, LLD (Hon.) UWI, made the following announcement this afternoon:

“Despite the incidence of higher bids on the eBay site, ANSA McAL secured the agreement of the store, Crawford Coin Stamp Militaria in Vancouver, British Colombia, to pull down the auction and recognize our initial bid. This move has ensured that the historic piece will be duly returned to our nation in preservation of its bestowed honour and dignity. “

Mr Sabga added, “I am filled with pride and joy that we were able to ensure that this cherished national award will soon be on its way back to Trinidad and Tobago. There are many moments in my life when I have felt we have done something really worthwhile, but nothing can outmatch this by the sheer significance of its national patrimonial value and meaning.”

ANSA McAL had met the minimum bid requirement of US $25,000.00.

The Executive Chairman of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies, provided a background on how events unfolded:

“We came to an agreement with the owner of the store, that given the historic significance of the medal, and in consideration of ANSA McAL’s noble intention to reclaim the award on behalf of Trinidad and Tobago, all other bids would be closed.”

Efforts will now be made to respectfully seek the support of the Office of the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to facilitate the donation of the medal to the National Museum.

The ORTT was posthumously awarded to union leader Adrian Cola Rienzi. The 18-carat gold medal, packaged with the original award document, is signed by the former President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency, George Maxwell Richards and stamped with the Presidential seal.

Adrian Cola Rienzi (born Krishna Deonarine in 1905) founded both the Oilfield Workers Trade Union and the All Trinidad Sugar Estates and Factory Workers Union. He was also involved in the establishment of three other trade unions and became the first President of the Trinidad and Tobago Trades Union Council from its inception in 1938 until 1944.

Corporate Communications Department
ANSA McAL Group of Companies
Friday 11th March, 2016