A reception in honour of 2010 Laureate in Public & Civic Contributions, Mr Sydney Allicock was hosted on August 27 in Georgetown. The reception was attended by members of the Allicock family, members of the Guyana government, Caribbean Awards 2008 Laureate, Ms Annette Arjoon, the Toshao (chief) of the Fair View community in the North Rupununi, and Dr Anthony N Sabga and Mrs Minerva Sabga.
Allicock has been awarded the Caribbean Awards for Excellence 2010 Laureate by the Anthony Sabga Foundation. According to the Chairman of the ANSA McAL Foundation and Patron of the Anthony Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence, Dr. Anthony Sabga, Allicock was chosen for the award because of his exemplary work in environment conservation, protecting the interests of the indigenous people and for creating a model of development which allows communities, government and businesses to participate in meaningful national growth.
Allicock is the third Caribbean Awards Laureate following behind fellow Guyanese Professor David Dabydeen and Annette Arjoon. According to Dr. Sabga, Guyana’s contribution and participation in the foundation’s award programme is very important as Guyana, its people and resources are important to the region. Dr. Sabga alluded to Allicock’s realities that molded him into what he is today. He noted that “ Mr. Allicock is a man of vision… he has confidence in the abil ities of his people and urges them to focus their energies on future development.” Dr. Sabga said the foundation’s “ awards will be worth nothing unless they inspire our people to see themselves as unified.” Awardee Sydney Allicock in his acceptance speech said that he “ felt like a star.” He pointed out that “ those who live in poverty know it and it forces us to think for survival.” He noted that self- sustenance was one good way of fighting poverty.
Allicock, who was forced to become the sole breadwinner of his family at a tender age, said that “ we need to look at the angle for development to overcome and get where we want despite where we came from.” He advised persons not to rely on Government to elevate them but to find ways to help themselves. He noted “ nothing can be achieved without effort. Major General ( Rtd), Joe Singh, said that he was inspired by Allicock’s achievements. He pointed out that the award conferred meant a lot to the Guyanese public. He urged Allicock to use the status gained as a platform to attain, and endeavour to achieve more for his country.
Dr Anthony N Sabga accepts the gift of a Makushi bow and arrow from Mr Sydney Allicock, 2010 Caribbean Awards Laureate in Public & Civic Contributions. (Photo courtesy Guyana Times)
