Joel Julien
Historian Angelo Bissessarsingh was diagnosed with terminal cancer last year. He was given two months to live. Bissessarsingh said 2015 was definitely not his year.
This year, however, has been “very good” to the 34-year-old. In addition to still being alive, Bissessarsingh will today receive the Humming Bird Gold Medal for his loyal and devoted service to Trinidad and Tobago in the sphere of history and education.
Speaking to the T&T Guardian last night, moments after President’s House released the list of Independence Day awardees, Bissessarsingh said he felt now that his life’s work had not been in vain.
“Basically, I feel extremely humbled that people feel my very, very poor work is enough to nominate me for a national award. I take great pride and I feel now that my life’s work has not been in vain,” Bissessarsingh said.
In addition to being named as one of this country’s national awardees, Bissessarsingh was also given the keys to the city of San Fernando two months ago by President Anthony Carmona and Mayor Kazim Hosein.
He also launched his latest book, A Walk Back in Time: Snapshots of the History of Trinidad & Tobago, in February. It has made the bestseller list in local bookstores.
“2015 was not my year because I got diagnosed with terminal cancer. 2016, however, has been very good to me because I am still alive. When I got diagnosed I had two months to live. I am still here. The cancer is still terminal but at least I have lived to see the publication of a very successful book with two more to follow before the end of this month.
“I have lived to see my work recognised through the awarding of the keys to the city in San Fernando and now this Hummingbird Medal Gold. I feel, as always, great pride in my country and I believe that now that my work has been recognised my life’s ambitions have been fulfilled,” Bissessarsingh added.