names Awards After Sparrow and Chalkdust
The SUNSHINE Awards Organization today announced in New Jersey that the organization established two new awards, the Dr. Slinger Francisco SUNSHINE Award and the Dr. Hollis Liverpool SUNSHINE Award.
The SUNSHINE Awards Program was founded 35 years ago to recognize excellence in the various Caribbean countries’ performing arts, education, humanity, research, science, and sports. Over the years, the program has expanded in scope and breadth with a global view, including the United States, Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, Central America, and India. A unique feature of the program is the SUNSHINE Awards Hall of Fame.
This year, the SUNSHINE Awards Organization is thrilled and proud to announce the establishment of two exceptional awards in honor of two legendary performing artists, Dr. Slinger Francisco (the Mighty Sparrow) and Dr. Hollis Liverpool (the Mighty Chalkdust). These awards are meant to reflect the extensive contribution, legacy, and impact on society made by the Mighty Sparrow and the Mighty Chalkdust. These prestigious Awards will be presented annually to the performing artists (individual or group) who demonstrate talent, creativity, and commitment to the art form, just as the Mighty Sparrow and the Mighty Chalkdust exhibited throughout their careers.
The Founder and Chairman of the SUNSHINE Awards, Gil Figaro, stated, “It is an honor and privilege to establish the Dr. Slinger Francisco and the Dr. Hollis Liverpool award categories in recognition of these two highly talented and accomplished performing artists. Their legendary contributions to the performing arts highlight the importance of humor and social and political commentary that has entertained, enlightened, and delighted audiences worldwide.”
SUNSHINE Awards Press Release – Page 2 of 2
Dr. Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool said, “This award established in my name through the SUNSHINE Awards Organization will be the crowning glory to my achievements and contributions to society. I hope this award will signal to future generations the important role that education, history, research, and the performing arts play in societies. I look forward to this award helping to motivate and pave the way for dreams to become reality. I therefore accept this honor with great humility.”
Dr. Slinger Francisco (the Mighty Sparrow) said, “To know that my name is so deeply associated with an award within the SUNSHINE Awards Organization is a testament to the value of the work I have dedicated my life to, and it is a tribute that I will forever cherish. This award will constantly reflect my legacy by recognizing individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievements in their field. I am excited about this award’s positive impact on society, further underscoring dreams of excellence and dedication. I thank the SUNSHINE Awards Organization from the depths of my heart for this extraordinary recognition.”
Carla Cupid, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Trinidad Limited, commented, “Seeing the SUNSHINE Awards Organization include categories named after Dr. Slinger Francisco and Dr. Hollis Liverpool is a moment of pride for us. These two individuals are cultural icons of Trinidad and Tobago, and their contributions to our music and culture are immeasurable. Including these categories not only honors their legacy but also emphasizes the richness and diversity of our cultural heritage. It is a testament to our diaspora and the cultural exchanges that continue to shape us. This aligns perfectly with destination Trinidad having ‘More Seasons, More Reasons’ to visit. There is always a reason to celebrate in Trinidad, and now we have even more!”
Shirlane Hendrickson, speaking on behalf of the President of TUCO, Ainsley King, said, “The Dr. Slinger Francisco SUNSHINE Award and the Dr. Hollis Liverpool SUNSHINE Award established by the SUNSHINE Awards Organization signify a time of celebration and a time of reflection. These awards also ensure that the hard work and contribution of these two Icons of our indigenous calypso/soca artform are exposed to the world.”
Patrick Edwards, former student and teacher of St. Benedict’s College, commented, “The Mighty Sparrow and the Mighty Chalkdust collectively represent One Hundred and Seventy-one years of unrivaled excellence in the calypso/soca art form. Their legendary achievements are further substantiated by the addition of seventeen calypso king titles between them. They are the twin Archangels and Guardians of the Divine realm of the Calypso/soca and the Art Form. They and their disciples may reign in their National and International abodes.”
Dr. Harold Robertson, former Trinidad and Tobago Diplomat, commented, “For over 35 years, the SUNSHINE Awards Organization has recognized, uplifted, and propagated Caribbean music and musicology, particularly Calypso/soca. It is, therefore, fitting that in furtherance of this mission, the organization has decided to honor two giants of the art form, Dr. Slinger Francisco and Dr. Hollis Liverpool, who, between them, have captured the Calypso Monarch title 17 times. This is an honor whose time has come.”
Mr. Figaro concluded, “I hope their contribution to our world will forever be remembered through these prestigious Awards.”
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