Several of Trinidad and Tobago’s late icons in business, music, and culture were honoured and celebrated at a ceremony in South Trinidad.
Hans Hanoomansingh; Rafael de Leon, also known as the Roaring Lion; and Dr Helen Bhagwansingh ORTT, were just a few of the national figures who were honoured by the Belgroves Group of Companies this weekend.
Belgroves CEO Keith Belgrove said the event was about celebrating family legacy, as in each case loved ones were invited to share these icons’ stories.
“This afternoon is really about the celebration of lives, lives that helped shape our nation. It is an evening dedicated to the extraordinary men and women whose vision, whose sacrifice, whose talent and leadership, and their commitment have left an indelible mark in Trinidad and Tobago.”
The younger brother of Hans Hanoomansingh, Gideon Hanoomansingh, recalled that his brother was an ambitious person who trekked to school barefoot.
“He conceptualised and developed Divali Nagar, transforming it into one of Trinidad and Tobago’s premier cultural festivals and the largest event of its kind outside of India. His philosophy was inclusive, rather than separatist. He frequently argued that recognising every community’s cultural heritage strengthens rather than divides the nation.”
One of the Roaring Lion’s sons, Ibn Llama de Leon, said his father, Rafael de Leon, achieved many firsts as a calypsonian.
“He was the first calypsonian to also appear at the Festival Hall of Music in 1945 and at Madison Square Garden. The same year he received a letter from the Queen of England thanking him for his song ‘Ode to the Death of His Majesty the King, King George VI’, 1952. He was the only calypsonian to officially be called to the United States to entertain the armed forces in 1945.”
Meanwhile, the granddaughter of Dr Helen Bhagwansingh, ORTT, said her grandmother received a number of awards, but she was much more than those awards.
“My grandmother never allowed her awards to control her emotions. She was a people’s person and spared no time in making the lives of thousands better. She was a friend to even her competitors and often gave advice to those who sought her assistance. She was open to share her wisdom as a mother, a grandmother, a friend or a business associate.”
Among the other awardees were former President George Maxwell Richards, Winston Bailey, the Mighty Shadow, and national activist Hazel Brown.