Writer David Chariandy, business executive Rayman Bedessee, veteran pannist Tommy Crichlow and Velma Morgan, chairperson of Operation Black Vote Canada, are among ten persons who will be presented with Impact Awards at Memorial Hall in Toronto on Saturday October 19.

Chariandy who was born in Scarborough, Ontario to Trinidadian parents, is a professor of English literature at the University of Toronto and a prize-winning author of two novels – Brother and Socouyant.

In his work, he explores the meaning of origins and birthplace for immigrants and their children.

As a critic, he has contributed substantially to the field of Black Canadian literature through his articles.

Chariandy will receive the Impact Award for his contribution to arts and culture.

Bedessee, CEO of Bedessee Imports, started working in the 47-year-old family food store business while he was still attending school.

“I did a variety of jobs at first- packing stuff in bags, cashing out, cleaning, dusting shelves, you know, helping out in general, and getting to know the business” he told the Caribbean Camera.

The Guyana-born businessman noted that the food store turned into a wholesale operation in the 1980s and he became CEO in 2017.

He reported that today the company sells about 2,500 products “and processes about 500.”

“Among our top items would be our chow mein, Demerara sugar, frozen coconut water and our sunflower oil.,” he said

Bedessee will receive the Impact Award for his role in business.

Pannist Crichlow shares the distinction of being among some of the finest purveyors of the pan art whose names are synonymous with the spread of Trinidad and Tobago’s musical gift to the world.

By the time he left his native Trinidad at age 52 for Canada, he had become a master pan musician and arranger, winning competitions, receiving awards and becoming a highly respected judge for the world renown Panorama steelband competition.

He will receive the Impact Award for Carnival Arts.

Morgan, an advocate for inclusion gender and cultural representation in government, has helped to strengthen ties between racialized communities, youth and government.

She creates and leads outreach and training to the Black community on civic engagement and running for public office and has been actively involved in several community and not-for-profit organizations.

Morgan will receive the Community Impact Award.

The Caribbean Camera and the Black Indigenous Business Development Association (BIBDA) have organized the annual Impact Awards to celebrate the achievements of outstanding Caribbean people.