Description

As a member of the operational-tactical team of the Sunshine Awards, my role involves actively contributing to the planning, coordination, and execution of the prestigious awards program. Founded by the visionary Gilman T. Figaro, Sr., and Dr. Erold Hinds, the Sunshine Awards originated from Gil’s aspiration to positively impact society by honoring Caribbean art innovators. Since its inception in 1989, the Sunshine Awards has evolved into a global platform, recognizing unsung heroes from South America, Central America, Africa, and the Caribbean for their remarkable contributions to performing arts, education, and sports. The program’s expansion reflects its commitment to cultural diversity, promoting “unity in diversity.” Our journey began with establishing “Calypso and Steelband Music Awards Inc.” after two years of meticulous planning. The inaugural event in 1989 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music marked a historic moment, featuring a script written by Gil and co-hosted by the renowned Roberta Flack. The awards night showcased the formation of the “Calypso and Steelband Music Hall of Fame,” founded by Dr. Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool, honoring eleven lifelong contributors.

As a member of the operational-tactical team, my responsibilities encompass strategic planning, logistical coordination, and ensuring the seamless execution of the awards program. The Sunshine Awards has gained recognition and endorsements from notable organizations, including the National Academy for the Recording Arts and Sciences in 1994 and the United Nations in 1998. Moreover, the program has received proclamations from various levels of the United States Government. The Sunshine Awards is not merely an awards program; it is an organization that embraces cultural diversity, emphasizing the profound role of performing arts in shaping societal values. In our global village, where unity is paramount, the program stands as a beacon for the values of discipline and ethics rooted in cultural diversity and the performing arts.

For further information or inquiries, the Sunshine Awards can be reached at their headquarters: SUNSHINE Awards® Program – Post Office Box 3717, Teaneck, New Jersey 07666 USA. Contact details include phone (201-836-0799), fax (201-836-4440), and email (info@sunshineawards.com).