On January 12, the Caribbean island of Haiti suffered a tragic disaster that left the entire population battered and bruised, both physically and mentally. Now, three months after the 7.0 magnitude quake struck, and after the immediate concern has subsided, the QRC Boys, an organisation of QRC ex-students, is saying it's time to raise awareness again.
For the greater cause
QRC Boys campaign co-ordinator Roland Mark said the task at hand wasn't so much about giving to Haiti as it was about helping humanity. The group has conceptualised a plan to engage those who can afford to help. A Celebrity Mingle will be hosted at the Hyatt Regency Hotel here in Trinidad on Indian Arrival Day, May 30. The event will see celebrities from across the Caribbean gather in honour of the Haitian cause. The purchase of each $1,500 ticket will afford each guest an all-inclusive experience, complete with live entertainment, dinner and cocktails. Prior to this, Mark said, a special theme song would be recorded for the cause and an all-Caribbean album, produced by producer extraordinaire Richard Char Su Ahong, would be released.
"The album is called Please Say Yes and will encompass the voices of celebrities from across the Caribbean," said Mark. He said the QRC Boys were very concerned about what was happening in Haiti, adding that the situation there was a desperate one. "Celebrities are being asked to be a part of this cause because their status often draws tremendous focus from the general public." He said the group planned on exploring other islands, the first of which would be Barbados. "The entire thing is called the Join The Caribbean Campaign and the theme is Restoring Haiti through Caribbean Unity." Mark further highlighted the fact that the gala event, which would commence at 6.30 pm, would feature celebrities in the fields of sport, music, education, radio and television, past and present beauty queens, along with business moguls from across the Caribbean.
Awards for Indo-Trinidadians
With Indian Arrival Day also being celebrated on May 30, the group has found a way of observing the achievements of the Indo-Trinidadian community. "On that night, we will honour 25 East Indian celebrities in observance of Indian Arrival Day. Following this, we will host the Emancipation Awards on August 1, under the same theme, in honour of Haiti." Mark said. He said the nominees would be chosen by the people, via a people's choice campaign, which gets under way from April 17.
With the group's focus on Caribbean unity, humanity and helping the impoverished Haitian people, the QRC Boys are looking forward to a successful event. "People are asleep and you don't wake up people with a slap–you have to wake up people gently. "This effort is meant to heal the entire Caribbean–we have to join together in mind and spirit," said Mark. He noted that celebrities such as Bunji Garlin and Groovy Soca Monarch winner Shurwayne Winchester had already given their support to the campaign.