Gil Figaro, Sr., the Trinidadian-born chairman and founder of the Teaneck, NJ-based SUNSHINE Awards Organization, expressed profound satisfaction with the prestigious 36th Annual SUNSHINE Awards Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Robert Treat Hotel on Park Place in Newark, NJ.

“I’m very proud of my team,” Figaro told Caribbean Life on Tuesday. “We executed a flawless program Saturday evening. All systems were in sync, and the guests had a wonderful time.

“My thanks to our sponsors and all those who contributed to the success of the 36th Annual SUNSHINE Awards,” he added.

Gil Figaro, left, receives an award from Acting Superintendent of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Wayne Guerra. Photo by Nelson A. King

During the well-executed and attended event, the women’s section of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Band, renowned for its unique and electrifying live performances, made its highly anticipated debut in the United States.

“This performance is regarded as a milestone, as the band continues to expand its global reach,” said Figaro, adding that the band’s performance ensured “an unforgettable experience for our guests.”

Acting Superintendent of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Wayne Guerra, who presented Figaro with a surprise award, said he was “truly elated that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Band, more so the female officers in our department, have been recognized in this capacity.

“It has become commonplace that the female officers of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service have been occupying various levels within the rank and file,” he said. “We take this opportunity to showcase the brilliance and strength of our female counterparts.

“We are experiencing a more-than-welcomed paradigm shift, as it relates to the female roles within the workforce and the significant contributions that they make,” added Guerra, stating that the band seized “this opportunity to promote our musical talents, both to the regional and international landscape.”

Figaro said the SUNSHINE Awards, hosted by Trinidadian comedians Errol Fabien and Nikki Crosby, honored several artists and cultural figures.

Trinidadian artist Rikki Jai displays his award.Photo by Nelson A. KIng

They comprised: Cultural icon and musical ambassador Samraj “Rikki Jai” Jaimungal (Trinidad & Tobago), who received the 2024 Sundar Popo SUNSHINE Award for his contribution to the performing arts; Matthew Whitaker (United States), who received the first Vincent A. Huggins SUNSHINE Award for his contribution to the performing arts; and Heman Bekele (Ethiopia) – a young innovator whose passion for biology, chemistry research and science helped to facilitate his remarkable invention of a soap designed to fight skin cancer –received the 2024 SUNSHINE Award for his contribution to science and research.

Dr. Cynthia Sterling-Fox, (right) marketing and promotions for the SUNSHINE Awards, with retired New York Supreme Court Justice Sylvia G. Ash, left, and Alethea St. Bernard-Marshall. Photo by Nelson A. King

Other awardees were: Edwin Yearwood (Barbados), natural-born entertainer affectionately known as “The General” and often described as the undisputed “King of the Groove,” who received the 2024 Lord Kitchener SUNSHINE Award for his contribution to the performing arts; Jallim Eudovic (St. Lucia), a sculptor, goodwill ambassador, and Caribbean laureate, who received the 2024 SUNSHINE Award for his contribution to the visual arts; Kettly Mars (Haiti), a self-taught intellectual, cultural activist and author of a considerable body of work, who received the 2024 SUNSHINE Award for her contribution to the humanities; and Edson “Ajamu” Mitchell (Grenada), one of the Caribbean’s top entertainers, who received the 2024 Dr. Slinger Francisco, (the Mighty Sparrow) SUNSHINE Award for his contribution to the performing arts.

Guyanese Carl Fraser displays the award, flanked by his compatriot Allison Skeete. Photo by Nelson A. King

The other honorees were: Carl Fraser (Guyana), who was instrumental in 2006 in establishing Dem Village, Inc. and the Fanoko Singers,  a Queh Queh band that performs at Queh Queh ceremonies, who received the 2024 Dr. Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool SUNSHINE Award for his contribution to the performing arts; Donric “Lord Funny” Williamson (Trinidad and Tobago), a celebrated calypsonian, who was inducted into the 2024 SUNSHINE Awards Hall of Fame; Rhonda Maingot & Rose Jackman (Trinidad and Tobago), founders of the Living Water Community, a Catholic Ecclesial Community, who received the 2024 Dr. Dom Basil Matthews SUNSHINE Award for their contribution to humanity; and Carlene Davis (Jamaica), a world-renowned gospel recording artist with a career spanning over four decades, who received the 2024 SUNSHINE Award for her contribution to the performing arts.

“I’m so honored to receive the Vincent A. Huggins Award,” Whitaker said. “I’m very grateful to the SUNSHINE.”

Kettly Mars, left, receives award from Dr. Cynthia Sterling-Fox, marketing and promotions for the SUNSHINE AWARDS. Photo by Nelson A. King

Mars dedicated the award to her “mom, who’s gone,” adding: “I dedicate this award to my family and to Haiti.”

Rikki Jai said he was “happy to be the first artist to receive the Sundar Popo Award.”

Figaro said he founded the SUNSHINE Awards Program 36 years ago “to recognize excellence and accomplishments in the performing arts, education, science, humanity, and sports of the various Caribbean countries.”

Over the years, he said the program has expanded “in depth and breadth with a global view,” including the United States and countries from Africa, South America, Central America, Europe, and Asia.

In 1994, Figaro said the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, responsible for the Annual GRAMMY Awards, endorsed the SUNSHINE Awards. He said the United Nations also gave its global endorsement in 1998.

Figaro said the SUNSHINE Awards Organization has also received many proclamations from various levels of the United States Government.