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GOPIO honours Sattaur Gafoor, Yesu Persaud and Chancellor Carl Singh
Trinidad- (Trinidad Newsday) – Delegates from various countries spent two weeks in Trinidad and Tobago for the grand jubilee celebration of GOPIO (Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin) International.
In front row Dr. Yesu Persaud (2nd left), Chancellor Carl Singh (3rd left) and Mr. Sattaur Gafoor (2nd right) among the Awardees.
Representatives came in from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Malaysia, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, India, Mauritius, South Africa, Netherlands and other countries of the European Union (EU), United Kingdom, Canada, United States of America, Guyana, Suriname, Belize, St Vincent, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Grenada and St Lucia.
These celebrations marked the 25th anniversary of GOPIO and included educational seminars and an award ceremony held at the Radisson Hotel, Port-of-Spain. This occasion, which ran from May 27 to 30, coincided with the commemoration of the 169th anniversary of Indian Arrival Day in Trinidad and Tobago.
GOPIO recognised several persons from the countries represented at the conference. Posthumous awards were received by relatives on behalf of the following persons: Henri Sidambaron (Guadeloupe); Dr. Najma Sultana (USA); Baleshwar Agrawal (India); Lall Paladee (Trinidad and Tobago). GOPIO also awarded the St Vincent and Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.
Those awarded from TT include: John Barath, Brenda Gopeesingh, Dr. Hans Hanoomansingh, Israel Khan, Deo Gosine and the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC).
Awards also went to Sattaur Gafoor (Guyana); Dr. Yesu Persaud (Guyana); Chancellor Carl Singh (Guyana); Dr. Lakshmi Persaud (United Kingdom); Ishwar Ramlutchman (South Africa); Nicole Vaitylingon (Guadeloupe); Dr. Vivian Rambihar (Canada); Dr. Parmatma Saran (USA); Dr. Sudhir Parikh (USA); TV Asia’s H R Shah (USA); India Abroad (USA) and Kedar N Gupta (India).
In addition to recognition of those who contributed to GOPIO’s formation in 1989 as well as all previous life members, GOPIO recognised the newest life members Yamonee Barbaro (USA); Balkrishna Naipaul (Canada); Sasenarine Sankar (Guyana); Claude Sheikboudhou (Guadeloupe); Elie Shitalou (Guadeloupe); Shaji SM Alex (India); Shaji Baby John (India).
Indian High Commissioner Gawri Gupta, Minister Vasant Bharath and Minister in the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources Ramona Ramdial were present at the observances. Radio and television host Zelisa Boodoosingh was master-of-ceremony.
According to president of the International Chapter, Ashook Ramsaran (US-based Guyanese) the convention was an historic event in the Indian Diaspora attended by delegates from several countries where GOPIO is prominent and where persons of Indian origin reside.
Ramsaran outlined some GOPIO’s notable events for the jubilee including the welcome reception at the Prime Minister’s Residence and Diplomatic Centre; GOPIO’s election of new officers, an all-day academic conference; cultural performances held at the NCIC, and the unveiling of an Arrival monument celebrating the first indentured Indian labourers who arrived in Trinidad.
Elections of officers were held by GOPIO International Council for several positions in GOPIO at the international level.
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