Sparrow receives his Lifetime Achievement Award (By Rhondor Dowlat) THE Mighty Sparrow, the King of Soca and Cultural Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Slinger Francisco, received his Lifetime Achievement Award through his son Richard Francisco at the Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in New York today. Sparrow was carded to receive his award at the Consulate General’s 51st Anniversary of Independence ceremony last Friday but made arrangements for his son to collect the award this week as he was unable to attend the event. These lifetime achievement awards were presented to individuals and groups located in the jurisdiction of the Consulate General in New York that have made an outstanding contribution in their sphere or community that raised the international profile of Trinidad and Tobago. Other recipients included Boodram Jattan (former trade unionist and Member of Parliament for Naparima), Edwin Roberts (former Olympian sprinter that captured two bronze in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics), Bhagwatie Dwarika (cultural activist and enthusiast), Mohan Jaikaran (prominent businessman and promoter of Trinidad and Tobago’s culture and entertainment in North America), Albert Danny Marcano (“Lord Defender”), Lord Nelson and Calypso Rose. Franscico, who is the splitting image of the living legend, expressed thanks for the award on behalf of his father and he also indicated that he is in the process of writing a book about the life and times of the great man that we know as the Mighty Sparrow. “The Mighty Sparrow is an integral part of the development of calypso and if one studies his compositions well, one can not only get a sense of Trinidad and Tobago’s society through the years but many important international scenarios are chronicled in his music. “Congo Man” though often criticized, was a commentary on the crisis in the Congo from the years 1960- 1966 and “Jean and Dinah” highlighted one of the social challenges that plagued post- war Trinidad and Tobago. There is no doubt, however, that “Slave” and “Education” were two of his most moving and powerful compositions. He is indeed Mighty and we wanted to express our gratitude for all that he has done for Trinidad and Tobago,” said Consul General, Rudrawatee Nan Ramgoolam. The Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in New York exercises consular jurisdiction in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont, and is focused on promoting Trinidad and Tobago and providing services for its Diaspora.
Posted on: Sat, 07 Sep 2013 02:24:49 +0000
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