A few months ago when Angelo Bissessarsingh’s cancer threatened to cut short his service to us here in T&T, it was unlikely that we would get a chance to journey back in time with his new book, Snapshots of the History of Trinidad and Tobago.
However, his determination to live will hopefully see him receiving the key to the City of San Fernando, and if Mayor Kazim Hosein has his way, a national award.
Hailing Bissessarsingh’s contribution as a historian at a book signing, on Wednesday, at the atrium of Gulf City Mall, San Fernando, Hosein said his passion and vibrancy were a real inspiration to all.
Hosein said the key will be awarded at a ceremony at a date to be announced.
Bissessarsingh’s contribution to edifying citizens about local history deserves greater recognition, and with this in mind, Hosein said, he plans to write to President Anthony Carmona, recommending him for a national award.
“We are finding that there are fewer and fewer role models for and among our youths these days, so when a young person excels, we must celebrate it and we must use it as an opportunity to encourage others to urge them to go for their goals.
“When I was at your launch in West Mall, I was walking through the crowd and I was hearing a lot of people saying you should be nominated for the President’s Award.
“I am a small person and I cannot make that call but I would do my part in trying to make it happen. I will do the necessary form to make sure that I write the President, recommending you for a President’s Award.
“As such, I am pleased to announced on behalf of my office and the San Fernando City Corporation that we intend to present you, Angelo, with a key to the City of San Fernando, which will be bestowed at an appropriate ceremony at a future date,” Hosein said.
Giving reasons for the honour, Hosein said San Fernando City Corporation honours those who display an unparalleled strength of character and whose values align with those of the people of San Fernando.
The last person to receive the city award was Naparima Girls’ High School student Ashisha Persad who won the President’s Medal for her achievement at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (Cape).
Bissessarsingh’s book was launched on February 18, at West Mall, Westmoorings, and is available at Nigel R Khan bookstores.