100118 Cliff Alexis Trinidad and Tobago award winner

dc.1002.cliff.alexis.chaconia01

Cliff Alexis, originally from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and currently living in DeKalb, points out scars on his head Monday in his office at Northern Illinois University, that he received years ago from a beating by police in his home country for playing steelpan music which was illegal when he was growing up. Now the steelpan, which Alexis is one of the foremost authorities on, is the national musical instrument of Trinidad and Tobago and Alexis was recently awarded the Chaconia Silver Metal, one of the highest honors bestowed by the country given to individuals who have "promoted community spirit and national welfare through their long and meritorious service."