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“A world when lung cancer is no longer a cause of death where individuals are educated and empowered to live healthier lifestyles,” is the brand message brought by the E Gilbert Lung Cancer (EGLC) Foundation, and the adage they are driven by. Foundation (egilbertfoundation.com) was established in August of this year, 2022, prompted by Gilbert’s passing, and it is in place to keep his evoking spirit alive, mark respect for Cancer Month, October, and other benefits.
On November 5 at the Shell Recreational Ground situated in Rio Claro, south-east Trinidad, the foundation will be launched embarking upon its inaugural annual effort – a three-part charitable event titled, Walk for Lungs, constituting a Walkathon, Health Fair, and Cultural Show named A Breath of Colours, despite the colour for lung cancer being white.
There will be free giveaways, games, and prizes to be won, while food and beverages will be on sale, but beverages along the walkathon course are free.
7 am - 9 am: The 2.5k walkathon is scheduled to discharge from the Ground, onto High Street, Naparima Mayaro Main Road, Grant Street, Tabaquite Road, Babel Road, along the stretch, then back to the Ground. The first 10 walkers completing the walk will receive prizes.
10 am -4 pm: The Health Fair will be serviced by a professional and customer-friendly healthcare team, and offers free: blood pressure and sugar testing, diabetic screening, Pap smear referrals, and nutrition consultancy.
10 am - 7 pm: The Cultural Show offers a diverse cast: Nailah Blackman, First Citizens Dragon Tassa Group, Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service Music Band, Dil-E-Nadan, Voices De Promesa Parang Band, Defense Force Music Band, Rio Claro Rhythm Section, a Junior Calypso Competition, and guest artiste, Zachary Ransome, 8.
Diverse Cultural Show that includes Tassa, Parang, Soca, headlined by Nailah Blackman. It also includes a Junior Calypso Competition.
The foundation’s release projects Gilbert’s sobriquet as The Mighty Corn Grain. He was well-known in the southland as a musical icon, writer and producer. He was also a multi-talented, self-taught cuatro, guitar, harmonica, keyboard and steel pan player.
The former founder and president of Rio Claro Cultural Organization produced several Mas bands and steel pan bands for the children of Nariva/Mayaro.
He was awarded by the Rio Claro Carnival and Cultural Organization for his sterling contribution towards the development of carnival, arts and culture in his hometown, Rio Claro, after his stardom took flight.
He reigned as Calypso King for a number of years, and was Chutney Soca Monarch in Rio Claro, and a qualifier in Mastana Bahar in 2006 with his rendition Pumpkin and Bhaji.
He lived for Carnival as calypso and Mas production were his heartbeat, but he was also a distinguished artiste during the Parang season, a time when his diverse side flourished creating several beautiful Soca Parang songs. His jovial, light-spirited, flamboyant personality are also noted for remembrance.
In many ways, he was seen as comical with some of his legendary quotes, such as, “all band members take ah drink,” “woi woi woi,” “I’m speaking, have sense”, and “the world waiting on me,” but another indelible mark was his signature laugh known to all who had the pleasure of his company.
Directed by Shawn Ransome, the foundation also said of Gilbert, his death rocked the community and south entertainment fraternity.
In January 2021, he returned to his Maker owing to Stage 4 lung cancer which he was unaware of, leaving behind his wife and seven children, and it’s in this vein his children established the E Gilbert Lung Cancer Foundation to raise awareness, lend support and educate the people in his community that he dedicated so much of his time and love.
The foundation says, simply bring yourself with strong feet, clear lungs, and a big heart.