Sunshine Awards to be staged in St Maarten for the first time

MADAME ESTATE, Sint Maarten. The Sunshine Awards will be held in St Maarten for the first time this year, according to Gil Figaro, the Trinidadian-born founder and chairman of the Teaneck, New Jersey-based Sunshine Awards Organization.

Figaro told Caribbean Life on Tuesday, July 28, that the 38th annual presentation would take place on Saturday, October 17, following "a special invitation" from the St Maarten Friendship Association.

He said he accepted after visiting the island and holding meetings with government officials, business executives, tourism representatives and community leaders.

"From the moment I arrived in St Maarten, I was deeply impressed by the warmth of its people, the strength of its community spirit, and the pride its citizens have in their island," he said.

Four decades of recognition

For nearly four decades, the organisation has honoured individuals and institutions whose contributions have advanced cultural, educational, humanitarian and economic development across the Caribbean and beyond.

The black-tie ceremony will be held at the Aleeze Convention and Event Hall in Madame Estate from 6pm, beginning with a cocktail reception followed by the awards and live entertainment.

The lineup

Comedians and entertainers Errol Fabien and Nikki Crosby will host. St Maarten performers King T-MO and King Beau Beau, both former Sunshine Awards recipients, will perform.

Caribbean jazz pianist John Arnold, a cultural ambassador of Tobago and director of the Signal Hill Alumni Choir, will also play, along with the 18-member Women's Contingent of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Band in full ceremonial uniform.

"The 38th Annual Sunshine Awards promises to be more than an awards ceremony, it will be a celebration of Caribbean pride, unity, culture and excellence," Figaro said.

He said further announcements about honourees, performers and special guests would be made in the coming weeks.