Two Guyanese among 2017 Anthony Sabga Awardees

May 15, 2017 News

By Brushell Blackman

Dr. Christopher Bulkan – Guyana

Two Guyanese were among four persons who were recognized for stellar work in their respective fields as the 2017 Anthony N Sabga awards held its annual award ceremony last Saturday.

Before a packed audience at the Marriot International Hotel that included President Granger and a number of government ministers; renowned Guyanese sculptor Winslow Craig (Arts and Letters), Trinidadian music conductor Kwame Ryan (Arts and Letters), Grenadian Entrepreneur Shadel Compton (Entrepreneurship) and Guyanese lawyer Dr. Christopher Bulkan (Public and Civic Contributions) were bestowed with the Anthony N Sabga award for excellence.

For the first time the ceremony was held outside its birthplace Trinidad & Tobago and the evening’s proceedings had flare and a ‘fine’ touch of class as the master of ceremonies, veteran broadcaster Margret Lawerence ensured that the programme flowed with much professionalism.

In his address, renowned Guyanese diplomat and chairman of the selection panel, Sir Shridath Ramphal, told the gathering that it was the wish of the late Anthony N Sabga to have the ceremony held in the land of many waters.

Further, Ramphal said that it was only fitting that the ceremony was staged here, because of the number of Laureates the English speaking South American country has churned out.

Reflective, Ramphal said when the award first started in 2005, there were only three categories, Arts and Letters, Public and Civic Contributions and recognition for exemplary work in the field of Science and Technology.

Two years ago another category was added; Entrepreneurship, as ANSA McAL who is the founder of the Endeavour, sought to reward and recognize Caribbean excellence and to encourage fearlessness.

The evening definitely belonged to Dr. Bulkan, and this was not because he is Guyanese, but due to the riveting speech he gave to the audience upon receiving his award.

Winslow Craig – Guyana

Bulkan delivering from the ‘heart’ spoke about how his father died many years ago and his mother was left to perform both parental roles. To loud applause he said that Mrs. Bulkan did so admirably and he will be eternally grateful to her for what she has done.

Turning his attention to the work he does, Dr. Bulkan said his activism in human rights has its origin in what he experienced growing up in Guyana at an early age. Bulkan is also at the forefront of promoting indigenous and environmental rights.

The University of the West Indies lecturer said that he lauded the bravery of the selection panel, since the groups he advocates for are ‘frowned’ upon by society. He said prior to being selected, he was told that it would be a ‘stretch’ if he was selected. Bulkan said his subsequent selection is a rejection of the prejudices those communities he represents face.

Guyanese sculptor Winslow Craig was born in Kappawarri Creek off the Essequibo, and credits his early influence to his father who was a wood worker. Craig sold his first piece at age seven for $20. He is currently a lecturer in Arts at the University of Guyana.

Kwame Ryan is a Trinidadian conductor and a music educator, whose career has spanned the globe and has seen him perform with some of the leading orchestras around the world.

Grenadian entrepreneur Shadel Compton managed to merge agriculture and tourism and her brainchild, Belmont Estate, provides organic food in a unique tourism setting. Compton said that when she first mooted the idea of the business many doubted that it would have succeeded. She said that she is testimony that whatever one sets out to do, can be achieved with hard work and dedication.

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