El Dorado Awards To Honor Guyanese Advocates And Activists

By NAN Contributor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Nov. 18, 2016: Several Guyanese advocates, activists and organizations who work to tackle suicide, abuse, sex crimes, alcoholism and drug abuse in the country are set to be honored next month in the South American nation.

The Second Annual El Dorado Awards, organized by The Caribbean Voice and supported by the Save Abee Foundation, will present awards to more than two dozen individuals and groups at an event scheduled for December 29^th at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, Guyana.

This year’s confirmed honorees are:

Pakarimas 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. Dianne McTurk – internationally recognized conservationist and animal protection activist

Kykoveral Award: Accomplished public service record characterized by activism and/or advocacy or charity and giving back in a significant manner:

1. Krishnadat Persaud – philanthropist and social activist who established his own counseling center
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 – Counseling Center 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.

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.

Arapima  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.

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 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 [email protected] or [email protected]; call 644 1152, 646 4669 (Guyana) or 718-542-4454 (North America).