Near-death survivor cops Angostura Champions award

TWO years ago, Elizabeth Aleong was unable to walk or talk after suffering a bilateral stroke.

After several months of intense therapy, she was able to walk onto the stage of Angostura Holdings Ltd on Saturday night to claim the title Angostura Champion 2020 for her work with special needs children.

She received a trophy and $50,000 which will be channelled into her organisation.

Aleong, who survived a near-death experience, has been working with differently-abled children, including two of her own, through the Caribbean Kids and Family Therapy Organisation (CKFTO).

Her successful recovery abroad, inspired her to begin a movement to provide therapeutic services to all children in TT to give them a fighting chance to a better quality of life.

“Can you imagine if we could employ those resources in children with disabilities, the success and possibilities we could give them?”

She commended Angostura for honouring not just her, but her fellow champions who have been fighting in the trenches for different causes, and all who supported her to conquer and achieve.

Hundreds of entrants who had to embody the values of tenacity, integrity, innovation, passion and togetherness, applied for the bi-annual Champions Award. The award was conceptualised by chairman of Angostura Holdings Ltd Terrence Bharath to recognise people who have been working selflessly for the benefit of others.

Aleong was among five finalists chosen, including domestic violence survivor and advocate, journalist Valdeen Tamara-Shears, Anushka Teelucksingh who used the death of her father to start a life-saving blood donation drive, Kenneth Listhrop – musical director of the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra he founded, and Shivam Teelucksingh. Teelucksingh, an unemployed entrepreneur, was forced to close his pharmacy owing to the pandemic. He sold his vehicle to assist students in his community with devices, repair of those devices, and tutoring for both parents and children in the use of those devices.

The other four finalists each received a trophy plus $10,000 towards their cause.

Judges included businessman Sieunarine Persad Coosal, Zalayhar Hassanali – wife of former president the late Noor Hassanali, Olympian Jehue Gordon and financial specialist Jacqueline Quamina.

Bharath said he was surprised so many people were doing such great things for their communities, and expressed admiration for those who continue, in the pandemic, to enrich the lives of others.

“It takes a special person to give of themselves unselfishly for no reward,” he said.

“Tonight, the judges will decide who the winner will be. I say winner loosely because when you look at what these people (finalists) have done, they are all winners.”

Quamina said the decision was an “extraordinarily difficult” one as each of the nominees were of an extremely high and impressive calibre with their own unique brand trying to make TT a better place.

Trade Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon congratulated the initiative and acknowledged the “heroes” for their extraordinary courage, compassion and sacrifice without seeking credit for their action.

“Tonight’s event comes at a time when the very social and economic fabric of our society is being tested. It is particularly in this light this award is so important. It highlights the real wealth of the country is the hearts of its citizens who are helping others advance and thrive in good times and bad.”

“It is no surprise Angostura piloted this initiative as its legacy and growth is well enshrined in enhancing the ethical values of the business community, emphasising the economic benchmarks of profit and loss are no longer the only determinants of assessing corporate performance.”