GUYANA-born Ron Fanfair was the recipient of the Terry James Trailblazer Award presented at the Jamaican Canadian Association centre on February 24.

James was instrumental in starting the Black History Month celebrations at the Toronto Police Service in 1994. Promoted to Sergeant in 2001, she retired in September 2010 after 30 years on the job.

To mark her contribution in making the service more inclusive, a Trailblazer Award was established in her name two years ago.

In his acceptance speech, Fanfair thanked James for leading the way and laying the foundation for a legacy of recognition, inclusion and pride that continues to honour the contributions of Black officers and the broader community within the Toronto Police Service.

“It is truly an honour to receive an award that bears the name of such a remarkable trailblazer,” he said. “However, I do not see myself as someone who has blazed a trail. I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me, women like Toronto Police first Black female officer Gloria Bartley and men like the Service’s first Black male officer Larry McLarty, whose courage, sacrifice and vision paved the way, allowing me and others to stand where we are today.”

Prior to migrating to Canada in 1985, Fanfair freelanced for the Guyana Chronicle, the defunct Citizen mid-week newspaper and was a senior sports reporter with the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation.

Among those attending Tuesday’s ceremony was Honorary Consul Mani Singh who is attached to the Guyana Consulate, Toronto.