The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) has named prominent Trinidadian cultural figure and founder and chairman of the Teaneck, NJ-based Sunshine Awards, Gilman “Gil” T. Figaro, Sr., as an Honorary Distinguished Fellow.
Prof. Rean Maharaj, UTT Acting President, wrote to Figaro: “In recognition of your sterling contribution to the advancement of culture in the region, a decision has been made by the Board of Governors of The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) to bestow upon you the title of Honorary Distinguished Fellow.”
The conferment of the title was made during UTT’s Presentation of Graduates Ceremony 2025, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at the university’s Lord Kitchener Auditorium, National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
Christine Carla Kangaloo, O.R.T.T., president of Trinidad and Tobago, commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces and UTT chancellor presided over the ceremony.
Figaro told Caribbean Life on Monday, Dec. 1, that he was “deeply honored to receive this Honorary Distinguished Fellowship Award.
“This recognition is not mine alone; it belongs equally to my family, mentors, coaches, sponsors, and the communities that have walked beside me, inspired me, and believed in me throughout my journey,” he said.
“As I accept this honor, I do so with humility, profound gratitude, and renewed commitment to continue serving, inspiring, and creating opportunities for growth for others just as others have done for me,” he added. “This distinguished recognition—it strengthens my resolve to keep lighting the path for those who follow, as well as reminds me that when we lift others, we all rise together.”
The Calypso King of the World, the Mighty Sparrow, said he has known Figaro through his calypsonian uncle, the great Young Killer, “from a very tender age, and it is truly inspiring to witness the magnitude of his accomplishments.
“His recognition with the Honorary Distinguished Fellow Award stands as a testament to his excellence, dedication, and unwavering pursuit of impact,” Sparrow told Caribbean Life. “I proudly congratulate him on this remarkable milestone.”
Calypsonian Dr. Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool said: “In terms of the arts and performances, Gil Figaro is a true Caribbean Man.”
Barry and Suzanne Beckles of Trinidad and Brooklyn said Figaro’s “Fellowship Award isn’t just an award, it’s proof of his dedication, discipline, and brilliance.”
“We are proud of our brother,” they added.
The story of Figaro is one of vision, perseverance, and purpose.
Figaro is a corporate executive, songwriter, producer, humanitarian, and cultural visionary. He has devoted his life to celebrating and elevating Caribbean art forms: calypso, steelpan, dance, poetry, and music.
Born in San Fernando, southern Trinidad, to parents rich in hope and values, Figaro said his journey began in “modest surroundings but with a boundless dream.”
He said his uncle, calypsonian Daniel Emmanuel Jardine Gilchrist, with the calypso sobriquet “Young Killer”, was his earliest musical mentor, introducing him at just 8 to “the magic of calypso music.”
In the company of legends like The Mighty Sparrow, Lord Kitchener, and Mighty Bomber, Figaro said he witnessed “the power of storytelling through song” and vowed to one day “elevate the art form from stigma to stature.”
As a student at St. Benedict’s College in La Romaine, San Fernando, Figaro demonstrated natural leadership. He played trombone in the school’s military band, sang in the choir, led the Student Government, and produced the school’s first carnival and calypso show at age 15.
After migrating to the United States, Figaro pursued degrees in business, earning a Bachelor of Science and an MBA. He worked tirelessly as a cab driver in New York City to fund his education.
He said those formative years instilled in him an “unrelenting belief that, through faith, perseverance and education, anything is possible.”
In 1983, Figaro said he was “moved by compassion” for drought-stricken Ethiopia. He founded Calypso for Africa, Inc. and wrote and co-produced the anthem “Now is the Time.”
Featuring 72 calypsonians across four generations, the project launched at the United Nations. The late Roberta Flack co-hosted. Figaro said it “united the Caribbean in song and service to humanity.”
He said all the proceeds from the project were donated to Ethiopia through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
In 1989, Figaro said he founded the Sunshine Awards™ to “recognize and pay tribute to the creators, performers, and promoters of the performing arts, education, humanity, science, and poetry of the various Caribbean countries.”
Over the years, he said the program has expanded in scope and breadth, taking a global view that includes countries from Africa, Europe, Asia, South America, and Central America, “shining a global light on education and artistic excellence.”
In 1994, Figaro said the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the organization responsible for the Annual GRAMMY Awards, endorsed the Sunshine Awards.
He said the United Nations gave its global endorsement to the Sunshine Awards in 1998, lauding it as “the cultural bridge from the Caribbean to the rest of the world.”
Figaro’s humanitarian spirit has echoed through many musical projects. These include the “Family in Action for Montserrat Project,” which united 119 Caribbean artists after Montserrat’s devastating volcanic eruption.
The song “Song for Montserrat,” written by Figaro and Joe Brown, launched at the United Nations’ Disaster Preparedness Conference in Geneva. It was hailed as “a song of hope and faith.”
Figaro also penned the hit song, “My Mother’s Hands,” as a heartfelt tribute to his mother.
He said the legendary, late Roberta Flack once described the song as a “global treasure for all mothers.”
Figaro said it was “a sentiment that deeply honors the spirit in which it was written.”
The Grand Master of Calypso, the Lord Kitchener, said, “My Mother’s Hands is world-class music with worldwide appeal. The composition is superb, and the production is excellent.”
Figaro’s lifetime of service has earned him countless citations, proclamations, awards and honors, including: The Immigrant of the Year Award; The Caribbean Heritage Award; The Heritage Award; The Caribbean American Business Association Award; The Caribbean Tourism Organization Distinguished Caribbean Citizen Award; The New York Daily News Front Page Award; The New York Carib News Front Page Award; his alma mater’s (St. Benedict’s College) Golden Jubilee Award for his “unparalleled contribution to the performing arts”; and The Diaspora Patriots Award.
Through all achievements, Figaro remains humble. He is deeply rooted in purpose and guided by the belief that “education, music and culture have the power to unite, heal, uplift the human spirit, and make the world a better place.”
Creative, compassionate, and visionary, Figaro continues to inspire generations worldwide.
Through the Sunshine Awards Organization™, his music and his mission, Figaro has built lasting bridges of culture, harmony, and hope, proving that the brilliance of Caribbean artistry knows no boundaries.
