Barbados has dominated the 2024 edition of the Anthony N. Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence, with its nominees taking or sharing three of this year’s five awards that were presented at a gala event at the Barbados Hilton Saturday evening.
Former President of the Barbados Senate, Kerryann Ifill won in the category of Public and Civic Contributions for work in promoting the rights of people with disabilities, pediatric neurologist, Dr. Morris Scantlebury was awarded in the category of Science and Technology for his research into childhood epilepsy and renowned pianist, musical director, producer, composer and arranger, Dr. Stefan Walcott won in the category of Arts and Letters.
Dr. Scantlebury shares the award for Science and Technology with Trinidad and Tobago marine biologist, Dr. Diva Amon, who was recognized for her research into deep-sea biodiversity and the impacts of human activity on these ecosystems.
Johan Epstein, the founder and CEO of Jamaican customer experience provider, Itel, which employs six thousand people, won in the category of Entrepreneurship.
The awards program is funded by the Ansa McCal foundation and annually recognises individuals who are considered as having a track record of consistently superior work that has demonstrated excellence, leadership and pioneering ability.
The nominees are chosen in five territories: Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and Trinidad and Tobago.
Dr. Walcott, one of this year’s laureates, in accepting the award, spoke of the sacrifices his family made to help him succeed.
Meantime, Ms. Ifill praised Chair of the Barbados local nominating committee Dr. Angela Alleyne for encouraging her to apply for the award.
And Dr. Scantlebury known for his ground breaking research into pediatric epilepsy, vowed to give back to the people of the region.
Pediatric Neurologist Dr. Morris Scantlebury
