THE Second Annual El Dorado Awards is scheduled for December 29 at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown.Launched last year to honour advocates, activists and affirmation agents on the social landscape, the awards presentation is organised by The Caribbean Voice and is supported by Save Abee Foundation. It builds connections with the business and professional communities, and fosters collaboration and a concerted approach to tackling issues such as suicide, abuse, sex crimes, alcoholism, and drug abuse.

The reality is that there is a plethora of individuals and organisations, local Guyanese and those in the diaspora, engaged in making a difference and qualitatively impacting the lives of Guyanese, especially the powerless and disadvantaged, while tackling the social issues that negatively affect lives.

The El Dorado Awards provide a space to recognise the efforts of those so involved, so that they can connect with each other and establish dialogue that would enhance the collaborative approach within a national framework.

The event comprises a cocktail reception, a cultural interlude, and the presentation of awards. This year’s honorees comprise individuals and organisations drawn from Guyana and the diaspora. The list of honorees confirmed for the 2016 El Dorado Awards are out.

The Caribbean Voice Awards will go to the late Dianne McTurk, an internationally recognised conservationist and animal protection activist.

Businessman Sattaur Gafoor and internationally recognised Amerindian activist Jean La Rose will receive the Pakaraimas Awards, while the
Kykoveral Award will be awarded to philanthropist and social activist Krishnadat Persaud and public servant Shabakie Fernandes, whose work focuses on empowerment and giving back.

Businessmen Gerry Gouveia and Dennis Charran, whose social responsibilities are extensive and significant, will receive the Canje Pheasant Award.

The Victoria Regia Award, which recognises the work/life characterised by a unique focus on humanitarianism and or protection, advocacy/activism will go to Sham Tilak, the head of a US-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) doing significant work among youth and students in Guyana; SASOD, an NGO championing the rights of gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender Guyanese; and Monique’s Helping Hands, a counselling centre set up by Dr. Dawn Stewart that has been doing significant work on suicide prevention sex crimes, abuse, AIDS and other related issues.

The Anna Regina Islamic Complex (ACIC) and the Guyana Cultural Association will receive the Maticore Queh Award, which honours achievements in any aspect of culture characterised by activism and/or advocacy, or charity and giving back in a significant manner; while the Umana Yana Award will go to the Macushi Research Unit and the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association.

The Greenheart Award, which recognises business achievement characterised by activism and/or advocacy or charity and giving back in a significant manner, will be received by Imam Bacchus and Sons, and businesswoman Allison Butters.

Godfrey Scott, a leading youth activist engaged in empowerment and rights activism; and Enterprise Youth Development Group, a leading community-based organisation that focuses on youth empowerment within its community and its environment, will be awarded the Arapaima Award.

The Dr. Faith Harding/Lionel Peters Award is a special recognition or appreciation that would be given to The Caribbean Voice.

Among those who would be participating in the cultural interlude are iconic singing star Terry Gajraj; former Chutney King Roger Hinds; 2016 Chutney King Bunty Singh; Regional Junior Calypso Monarch Prince Krish; the versatile Satish Udairam and the veritable nightingale Celia Samaroo; as well as the Dubraj Tassa Group, Neptune African Drummers, Ishara Dance Troupe, Mokka Dynamic Dancers, the Victoria Renegades Masquerade Band and teenage singing sensation Vishnu Rasulan.

Popular TV and radio host from New York City, Shanaz Hussain of Shanaz Musical Sensation fame, will co-host the event. She will be joined by the inimitable WR Reaz.

A limited number of tickets are being sold at G$5,000 each. For tickets and/or further information, please email caribvoice@aol.com or hussainnazim18@yahoo.com; call 644 1152, 646-4669 (Guyana) or 718-542-4454 (North America).