The Sunshine Awards Organization, based in New Jersey, announced that Dr. Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool, the co-founder of the Sunshine Awards Hall of Fame and a renowned Trinidadian calypsonian, has been honored with the title of Professor Emeritus by the University of Trinidad and Tobago. This recognition acknowledges his lifelong contributions to education, research, and the performing arts.

Gil Figaro, Sr., chairman and founder of the Sunshine Awards, expressed his congratulations to the veteran calypsonian, commending him for his remarkable impact on both the academic and cultural spheres. “Dr. Liverpool’s work as a professor, mentor, and coach has inspired countless students and professionals,” Figaro said. “His teachings are immortalized in numerous published works, which are invaluable resources in libraries worldwide.”

In addition to his academic achievements, Liverpool has been a trailblazer in the performing arts, particularly calypso. “His research, compositions, and performances have enriched the cultural landscape of Trinidad and Tobago and beyond,” Figaro added, noting that Liverpool’s contributions continue to inspire new generations.

Liverpool’s career spans many disciplines. As a professor of calypso arts at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), he has had a profound influence on his students. He taught primary and secondary schools for 35 years before becoming a cultural officer and director of culture in the Ministry of Culture from 1993 to 1999. He also founded and directed the Carnival Institute and conducted extensive research on Caribbean culture, with a focus on Trinidad and Tobago.

His educational background includes degrees from several prestigious institutions. He attended Patience Hill R.C. and Nelson Street Boys’ R.C. primary schools, St. Mary’s College, and the University of the West Indies, where he earned a B.A. in history and sociology and an M.A. in World History. He later earned a Ph.D. in history and ethnomusicology from the University of Michigan.

As a calypsonian, Liverpool, known by his stage name Chalkdust, has recorded over 300 calypsos and won numerous titles, including the Calypso Monarch of Trinidad and Tobago nine times. He has also been recognized globally, winning the World Calypso Monarch and the King of the World Calypso Contest in St. Thomas, among other accolades. His contributions to calypso and the arts have earned him awards from institutions worldwide, including the Prince Claus Award from the Government of the Netherlands.

In addition to his role as a performer, Liverpool has served as an associate professor of history at the University of the Virgin Islands and was named an honorary distinguished fellow at the University of Trinidad and Tobago in 2006. In 2012, he was named one of the 50 distinguished fellows of the University of the West Indies.

Liverpool’s achievements have also earned him national recognition in Trinidad and Tobago. In 2019, he was awarded the Order of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the nation’s highest honor. He is currently the head of The Academy for Arts, Letters, Culture, and Public Affairs at the National University of Trinidad and Tobago.

Through his career, Dr. Liverpool has left an indelible mark on education, the arts, and the cultural heritage of Trinidad and Tobago. His work continues to inspire generations, ensuring his legacy endures for years to come.

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