Anguillian music legend Bankie Banx and prominent lawyer Nakishma Rogers will be recognised for their contributions to the community at the upcoming Sunshine Awards in St Maarten.
The 38th annual event, awarding those whose efforts “deserve to be seen, remembered and applauded” will be held on 17 October at the Aleeze Convention Center.
Other recipients include Bregje Boetekees, Clara Reyes and Yubi Kirindongo of Curaçao, Christopher Henocq of France, and Danielle Chance, Mighty Dow and Ihndhira Richardson-Marlin of St Maarten.
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The late Ruby Bute, a painter, poet, storyteller and art teacher, will also be honoured posthumously.
“They come from different places and have travelled different paths,” the Sunshine Awards organisers said on their website.
“Their contributions span the arts, culture, community and public life. What connects them is the impact they have made and the legacy they continue to build.”
Decades of influence
Reggae and folk musician and singer-songwriter Bankie Banx is best known for his annual Moonsplash festival and the Dune Preserve beachfront venue where it is held.
Born Clement Ashley Banks, he has performed internationally and helped establish Anguilla as a prominent destination for live music and cultural events.
He told Anguilla Focus that he was initially pleasantly surprised to learn he had been recognised in the Sunshine Awards, and then felt a deep sense of gratitude.
Banx said he was thankful “to those who recognised my efforts and consistency in the region after decades of changing trends and music industry challenges for artists and musicians”.
“I feel blessed to be amongst the cast of regional past awardees, some of whom I’ve always admired and revered for their excellence and stance to positively impact society with creativity in art, music and poetry.”
He said he looked forward to attending the event, “seeing that it has been brought to my doorstep by the people who were a part of my development and witnessed my achievements throughout the years”.
Leading by example
Nakishma Rogers is an Anguillian lawyer and partner at KCW Carty and Rogers, and a former senior Crown counsel who has served as acting attorney general.
She is also president of the Anguilla Enhancement Project and actively supports youth development through mentoring, motivational speaking and education initiatives.
Rogers told Anguilla Focus she was honoured to be nominated and pleased the awards are being held in St Maarten, allowing her to share the occasion with family and loved ones.
“It means so much to them that my selfless community work, contributions to youth and national development, and hours of volunteerism are finally being recognised,” she said.
“The most important thing for me however, is showing my daughters that the sacrifices I made for my community were worth it.”
Rogers said civic pride and responsibility are increasingly undervalued, and she hopes her example will show that giving back to the community can be both meaningful and rewarding.
“That is what makes the Sunshine Awards so special – it is an incentive to others to be the change their community needs,” she said.
Decades of recognition
The Sunshine Awards was founded by Trinidadian Gilman T Figaro Sr, who wanted to recognise and celebrate people making significant contributions to Caribbean arts and culture.
He developed the idea with Barbadian scientist and steelband enthusiast Dr Erold Hinds, using their own resources to establish the awards programme.
The first Sunshine Awards was held at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York in 1989, recognising 20 recipients and establishing the Calypso and Steelband Music Hall of Fame.
The programme has since expanded internationally, honouring contributions to the performing arts, education and sports across the Caribbean, the Americas and Africa.
“Thirty-eight years is more than a milestone,” Sunshine Awards organisers said in a press release.
“It represents thousands of moments, countless stories, and generations of people who have used their talents to strengthen their communities and keep Caribbean culture alive.”
They added: “This year’s celebration is particularly meaningful to us because it brings together voices and accomplishments from several parts of the Caribbean and beyond.”
