GUYANA-BORN human rights representative to the United Nations and Ambassador-at-Large under the Economic and Social Council NGO (non-governmental organisation), Dr. Jason Renville, 42, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been conferred with the Nelson Mandela International Peace Award 2019.

The honour was bestowed on December 7, 2019 by the Council of Justice of the Peace of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the South African Government Nelson Mandela Foundation, in recognition of Dr. Renville’s distinguished services in the field of peace.
It coincided with the Nelson Mandela International Peace Summit 2019 of the Council of Justices of Peace of Sri Lanka, under the theme `Legacy of Joy’ and in observance of the 20th Anniversary of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Venue for the summit was The Mahinda Silva Auditorium, Harti, Colombo Seven, Sri Lanka.

Signatories to the award are National Commissioner, Council of Justices of the Peace of Sri Lanka, Dr. Maheswaran and Dr. Fahath A. Majeed, National Director, Council of Justices of the Peace of Sri Lanka.

Prior to leaving Guyana in 2002 for the United States in pursuit of furthering his studies, Dr. Renville used to be a cook and culinary chef at the Pegasus Hotel.
A prolific writer and sought-after empowerment facilitator, he has since authored `Bring out my Soul out of Prison’ – Revive, Renew and Restore the Mind and `Embracing your Mark of Authenticity’.

He also was previously bestowed with the iChange Nations’ World Civility award -2019; iChange Nations’ National Statement Degree – 2018, and iChange Nation’s Peace Icon Award – Diplomat of the Year – 2019.

Reflecting on his feelings to the Guyana Chronicle from his North Carolina home, Dr. Renville, who is married and has three children said, “I am grateful, honoured and still startled because it is not a recognition I had expected to receive in this juncture of my life, if ever. The enormity of the award, what it represents and the name Nelson Mandela, just to be in the shadows alone is beyond gratitude.”