For the first time in the history of the Anthony N Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence, Jamaica took the glory in hosting the ceremony at the famed Jamaica Pegasus, and what an evening it turned out to be. Over two hundred and sixty guests (260) witnessed the 10th staging of the awards.
This year’s laureates included Jamaican Kei Miller, a poet and novelist in the field of Arts and Letters. Three Jamaicans – Prof. Terrence Forrester, Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon and Mrs Claudette Richardson Pious had been inducted in 2006 and 2008.
In accepting the prize for Public and Civic Contributions, Noel and Chevaughn Joseph spoke about their foundation being a ‘mission from God’ to bring comfort to sick and afflicted children. The Just Because Foundation will begin its mission of taking the foundation regional in Jamaica.
Other 2018 laureates included Trinidadian geneticist Dr Adesh Ramsubhag of Trinidad and Tobago in Science and Technology, and Guyanese entrepreneur William Andrew Boyle. Dr Ramsubhag spoke of his journey from a rural agricultural village in South Trinidad to being a UWI geneticist. He is now on the verge of making breakthrough discoveries in novel pharmaceuticals and new antibiotics.
Andrew Boyle recalled his origins in a remote region of the Berbice region. He spoke about taking a boat with his siblings to get to school and urged the audience to never forget how to dream. He and Dr Ramsubhag thanked their communities and parents for being instrumental in their development.
Mr. A. Norman Sabga, Executive Chairman of the ANSA McAL Group, succeed his father, Dr Anthony N Sabga as patron of the awards. He delivered remarks at the event and stated, ‘Jamaica has not only inspired the region, but the world with its beauty and charm, the warmth of its people, its culture and music and of course, its sporting abilities. Jamaica is a driving force, and her contribution to our regional socio-economic environment is invaluable.
Therefore, it is fitting that we host these Awards in Jamaica and recognise the excellence and contribution of our people”. The ceremony included a performance by famed Jamaican singer, Tessanne Chin, who performed ‘Try’. The Caribbean Awards have been in existence since 2005 and the programme was initiated by the late Chairman Emeritus, Dr Anthony N. Sabga.
These inductions bring the number of people recognised by the ANSA Caribbean Awards for Excellence to 35. Each laureate received TT$500,000.00, a medal and citation. Winners are nominated by country committees and selected by a regional panel chaired by Sir Shridath Ramphal, and comprising representatives from all territories covered: Jamaica, Guyana, Barbados, the OECS and Trinidad and Tobago.
Corporate Communications Department
ANSA McAL Group of Companies
(868) 223-2672
