There will be no National Awards ceremony this Republic Day.

The Office of the President announced its decision to postpone the event on Tuesday, citing COVID-19 restrictions and the fact that it has not yet received the list of awardees for this year.

The National Awards Committee extended its deadline for nominations from April 30 to May 29, however, the statement revealed that it has not yet received the list of persons selected to receive Awards this year.

The usual venue for the auspicious occasion- the National Academy of the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain is also currently being used as a COVID-19 quarantine facility for healthcare workers.

The Office of the President has said it hopes the ceremony can take place before the end of the year.