Awards for gems of Laventille

The Laventille Steelband Festival Foundation honoured Fitzgerald Henry (Terror), Fitzroy Coleman, Clifton Ryan (The Mighty Bomber) and Lincoln “Delgardo” Noel at its bi-annual Gems of Laventille Outstanding Spirit and Soul (GLOSS) awards.

Two former calypso monarchs both of Picton Road Laventille were honoured for their contribution to the calypso art form. Mighty Terror, 86, whose wife Gloria received the award on his behalf and Bomber, 78, who performed at the function are deserving of the awards. Eighty-four-year-old Fitzroy Coleman of Upper Laventille Road, Laventille was awarded for his contribution to music while tuner Noel was honoured for his contribution to the steelband movement.

Also honoured (posthumous) for his contribution to the steelband movement was ace arranger Clive Bradley.

The foundation also honoured Angostura Limited, its former public relations officer Maureen Lawerence, former boxing champion Michael Paul and manager of Harlem Syncopators Steel Orchestra Daisy Mc Clean for service to the community.

The Sports awards solicited great applause as six members of the Soca Warriors squad were also honoured for their contribution. Russell Lapaty, Brent Sancho, Jason Scotland, Densill Theobald, Dennis Lawerence and Aurtis Whitley who all come from the catchment area proved to be great examples to their fellow men.

Also receiving awards were Keisha Codrington ( Youth award for Culture) and Tammy Timothy (Youth award for Education).

President George Maxwell Richards who delivered the feature address told the committee, “It is always good to say thanks to those who have made contributions to their communities or even to one life which has the potential to make significant and positive impact on the lives of others.

“This evening’s ceremony reminds us that musically, you are not confined to steelband excellence. Calypso and guitar exponents are here to testify to the other contributions that you have made to the music of Trinidad and Tobago,” the President said.

“I hope, ladies and gentlemen that the value of culture and sport as a channel through which people can attain a better life will be increasingly recognised.”