Sando rewards ‘handicapped hero’

The Pleasantville resident and woodworker at the National Centre for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) gained national prominence after he raised an alarm about a fire which destroyed a house and threatened a number of parked cars near RBTT’s lower High Street, San Fernando branch in May.

Goodridge, an employee at the centre located at the back of the bank, was subsequently dubbed the "handicapped hero."

At Monday’s reception at which a number of outstanding citizens were honoured at the city’s auditorium, Goodridge was described as a person who, despite his inability to move around, saved the lives of many persons on that fateful day.

Also receiving an award in the field of Community Service/Religion was parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help RC Church, Father Clyde Harvey. Harvey was described as a "very strong-willed spiritual leader" who had a passion for the spiritual development of each member of his congregation.

Harvey was unable to attend the civic reception and will receive his award on Thursday.

Two steel orchestras — TCL Skiffle Bunch and Southern Pan Pioneers — received awards. Wack 90.1 FM radio chief executive officer, Kenny Phillips, television personality Hazel Ward-Redman, and beauty queen creator, Valarie Noreiga, all received awards for their contribution to the development of arts and entertainment. The community service awards went to community activist Gloria Calliste, and Vistabella Community Council president Claire Boyce. The Public Service award went to Indarjit Singh for his dedication to duty at the City Corporation.