El Dorado Awards honours advocates, activists and affirmation agents
Launched last year to honour advocates, activists and affirmation agents on the social landscape, The Second Annual El Dorado Awards is scheduled for December 29th at the Marriott Hotel. Organized by The Caribbean Voice and supported by Save Abee Foundation, the awards also build connections with the business and professional community and fosters collaboration and a concerted approach to tackling issues such as suicide, abuse, sex crimes, alcoholism and drug abuse.
The reality is that there is a plethora of individuals and organizations, local Guyanese and Diaspora, engaged in making a difference and qualitatively impacting the lives of Guyanese, especially the powerless and disadvantaged, while tackling the social issues that negatively affect lives. The El Dorado Awards provides a space to recognize the efforts of those so involved so that they can connect with each other and establish dialogue that would enhance the collaborative approach within a national framework.
The event comprises a cocktail reception, a cultural interlude and the presentation of awards. This year’s honorees comprise individuals and organizations drawn from throughout Guyana and the Diaspora. Honorees confirmed for the 2016 El Dorado Awards are:
Pakaraimas Awards: Lifetime accomplishment characterized by activism and/or advocacy or charity and giving back in a significant manner.
1. Sattaur Gafoor – businessman whose social responsibility has been extensive and significant over a long period of time and still continues today
2. Jean La Rose – internationally recognized Amerindian activist
3. The late Dianne McTurk – internationally recognized conservationist and animal protection activist. Ms. McTurk sadly passed away before she could receive the award and it will now be offered posthumously.
Kykoveral Award: Accomplished public service record characterized by activism and/or advocacy or charity and giving back in a significant manner.
1. Krishndat Persaud – philanthropist and social activist who established his own counselling centre
2. Shabakie Fernandes – public servant whose work focuses on empowerment and giving back
Canje Pheasant Award: Achievement in the private sector characterized by activism and/or advocacy or charity and giving back in a significant manner
1. Gerry Gouveia, Roraima Group of Companies - businessman whose social responsibility is extensive and significant
2. Dennis Charran, Managing Director of Comfort Sleep - businessman whose social responsibility is extensive and significant
Victoria Regia: Work/life characterized by a unique focus on humanitarianism and or protection, advocacy/activism.
1. Sham Tilak – head of a US based NGO doing significant work among youth ad students in Guyana
2. SASOD – NGO championing the rights of gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender Guyanese.
3. Monique’s Helping Hands – Counselling Centre set up by Dr. Dawn Stewart that has been doing significant work on suicide prevention sex crimes, abuse AIDS and other related issues.
Maticore Queh Queh Award: Achievement in any aspect of culture characterized by activism and/or advocacy or charity and giving back in a significant manner.
1. Anna Regina Islamic Complex (ACIC) – leading Faith Based Organization that significantly focuses on social issues.
2. Guyana Cultural Association – leading NGO fostering, promoting, researching, preserving, celebrating and advocating for Guyanese culture and art.
Umana Yana Award: Significant contribution towards community building.
1. Macushi Research Unit – Leading Community Based Organization doing tremendous social activism and empowerment work within its community
2. Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association – leading provider of sexual and reproductive health care and family planning services in Guyana.
Greenheart Award: Business achievement characterized by activism and/or advocacy or charity and giving back in a significant manner.
1. Imam Bacchus & Sons - business whose social responsibility is extensive and significant
2. Allison Butters - businesswoman whose social responsibility is extensive and significant
Arapaima Award: Youth achievement characterized by activism and/or advocacy or charity and giving back in a significant manner.
1. Godfrey Scott – leading youth activist engaged in empowerment and rights activism
2. Enterprize Youth Development Group - leading community based organization that focuses on youth empowerment within its community and its environment.
Dr. Faith Harding/Lionel Peters Award: Special recognition or appreciation given by The Caribbean Voice
Surprise category.
Among those participating in the cultural interlude are iconic singing star, Terry Gajraj; former Chutney King, Roger Hinds, 2016 Chutney King, Bunty Singh, his son, regional junior calypso monarch, Prince Krish; the versatile Satish Udairam and the nightingale, Celia Samaroo as well as tassa and African drummers, Indian and African dancers, the Victoria Renegades Masquerade Band and the teenage singing sensation, Haresh Singh. Popular TV and radio host from New York City, Shanaz Hussain of Shanaz Musical Sensation fame, will co-host the event. She will be joined by the inimitable WR Reaz.
A limited number of tickets are being sold at G$5,000 each. For tickets and/or further information please email caribvoice@aol.com or hussainnazim18@yahoo.com; call 644 1152, 646 4669 (Guyana) or 718-542-4454 (North America).