LAST weekend, “Orange The Runway” – a marriage between the arts and activism – awarded several persons for their outstanding work in the respective fields.

Possibly Guyana’s and the Caribbean’s only fashion and awards show hosted in observance of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, the activity was held on December 3 at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel.

The platform, according to Founder Jamicia McCalman-Nelson, was created to remind activists and creatives “that we see you and we appreciate you.”

The awards have been opened to Caribbean activists and creatives as McCalman-Nelson believes that the issues of gender-based violence and mental health are problems plaguing not just Guyana, but the entire region.

“When I started the project, one of my visions for it was for it to be a moving project; not just to host it in Guyana but to take it across the Caribbean,” she told Buzz this week.

This platform has also made way for new designers to launch their careers and for some to reintroduce themselves on the scene.

Last Sunday, saw the Trailblazer Award being presented to Keith Allicock; Award of Excellence for International Achievement went to Poonam Singh; Designer of the Year to Keisha Edwards (Sasha Designs); Emerging Designer of the Year to Roberto Teekah; Female Model of the Year to Quissieana Odle; Male Model of the Year to Lee Leung; Performing Arts Activist of the Year (Female) to Omaiah Hall; Performing Arts Activist of the Year (Male) to Mark Luke-Edwards; Female Advocate of the Year to Marva Langevine; Male Advocate of the Year to Delroy Marks; Female Activist of the Year to Melissa Atwell; and Male Activist of the Year to Gavin Thomas.

At the media launch of Orange the Runway Vol. 2 which was held in 2022, McCalman-Nelson had told Chronicle that her fashion show is very near and dear to her heart because of her personal experience with being abused at a young age.

“Growing up as a child, I saw my mother being abused…..and having to experience that personally wasn’t easy. I found a way to channel my childhood trauma through my art and writing,” she had expressed in an interview.

According to her, in 2018, she returned home from a trip to Trinidad wanting to make an impact. At that point she decided to challenge herself to make a difference in the lives of others, especially those who have experienced or are experiencing abuse.

That passion motivated her and “Orange The Runway” was born.