Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Barry Padarath, has hinted that the late entertainer and radio personality at 103.1FM, Anil Bheem, may be given a posthumous award on Republic Day.
Speaking at the launch of 103.1FM’s Divali programming, Divali Ka Amrit, on Monday, he noted that following Bheem’s passing in February 2023, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the then Opposition Leader, had called for The Vocalist to be given a national award.
Minister Padarath said it’s something that could become a reality.
“Today is September 22nd. Two days from now, we’ll have a very grand event in this country, and I would not let the cat out of the bag except to say that the listeners of 103FM will have a lot to celebrate on behalf of Anil Bheem, thanks to the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar.”
In June 2025, Minister Padarath had stated that he planned to nominate the local Indo-music giant for a national award. And in an interview with TTT News on Monday, he confirmed the move.
“I think the population, including the supporters and listeners of 103FM, the First the Finest, they can look forward to some very good news in the coming days. I would allow those who are responsible for that to make the formal announcements, but except to say that this is something that should have happened over two years ago.”
The Minister praised Bheem’s philanthropic efforts, revealing that he often reached out to help flood victims.
“Many people don’t know, but Anil used to message Members of Parliament and if there were floods in their constituency, it didn’t matter whether you were PNM, UNC, whatever colour you were, he saw people.”
Mr. Padarath confirmed that he worked with multiple organisations, including 103.1FM, to ensure Bheem’s nomination was submitted and hailed efforts to keep his memory alive.
“He really left Trinidad and Tobago when he was at the top of his career. And therefore, to see great things ahead for his legacy, having spoken to his wife Cheryl, seeing the philanthropic work that they are doing to keep his memory alive, I think it augurs well for his memory.”
Minister Padarath also defended the move, saying it was one that was well deserved.
“And it is a gratifying day to be at the studios of 103FM today, when they kick off Divali celebrations 2025 in a most positive manner, knowing that this is where Anil Bheem and many others would have gotten their grounding in terms of their musical contribution to Trinidad and Tobago.”
Anil Bheem passed away in February 2023 at the age of 48.