“A world where lung cancer is no longer a cause of death, where individuals are educated and empowered to live a healthier lifestyle,” is the brand message brought to you by the E Gilbert Lung Cancer Foundation (EGLC) and the motto they are driven by . The foundation (egilbertfoundation.com) was created in August of this year, 2022, prompted by Gilbert’s death, and is designed to keep his evocative spirit alive, to mark respect for cancer month, October and other benefits.
On November 5 at the Shell Recreation Ground located in Rio Claro, southeast Trinidad, the foundation will launch its inaugural annual effort – a three-part charity event titled Walk for Lungs, which is a Walkathon, Health Fair and the cultural performance called A Breath of Colors, despite the fact that the color for lung cancer is white.
There will be freebies, games and prizes to be won, while food and drinks will be for sale, but drinks along the walkathon course are free.
07:00 – 9:00: The Walathon 2.5k is scheduled to run from Earth, to High Street, Naparima Mayaro Main Road, Grant Street, Tabaquite Road, Babel Road, along the stretch, then back to Earth. The first 10 walkers to complete the walk will receive prizes.
10:00am – 4:00pm: The Health Fair will be staffed by a professional and customer-friendly healthcare team and offer free: blood pressure and sugar testing, diabetes screening, Pap smear referrals and food consultancy.
10:00 – 19:00: The cultural show features 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 artist, Zachary Ransome, 8.
Multicultural show including Tassa, Parang, Soca, headlined by Nailah Blackman. It also includes a Junior Calypso Competition.
The foundation’s publication projects Gilbert’s sobriquet as The Mighty Corn Grain. He was known in the South as a music icon, writer and producer. He was also a very talented, self-taught cuatro, guitar, harmonica, keyboard and steel player.
The former founder and president of the Rio Claro Cultural Organization produced several Mas bands and steel bands for the children of Nariva/Mayaro.
He was awarded by the Rio Claro Carnival and Culture Organization for his outstanding contribution to the development of carnivals, arts and culture in his hometown, Rio Claro, after his star took flight.
He reigned as Calypso King for several years and was the Chutney Soca Monarch at Rio Claro and a qualifier at Mastana Bahar in 2006 with his rendition of Pumpkin and Bhaji.
He lived for Carnival as calypso production and Mas were his heartbeat, but he was also a featured artist during the Parang season, a time when his various sides blossomed creating some beautiful Soca songs Parang. His cheerful, light-hearted and brilliant personality also stands out in memory.
In many ways, he was seen as comical with some of his legendary sayings, such as, “all the band members drink ah drink”, “woi woi woi”, “I’m talking, I’m making sense” and “the world is wait for me,” but another indelible mark was his signature laugh known to all who had the pleasure of his company.
Headed by Shawn Ransome, the foundation also said of Gilbert, his death shocked the community and the entertainment fraternity in the South.
In January 2021, he returned to his Maker due to Stage 4 lung cancer, which he was unaware of, leaving behind his wife and seven children, and thus his children founded The Gilbert Lung Foundation Cancer to raise awareness, give support and educate people in his community that he gave so much of his time and love to.
The foundation says, just bring yourself with strong legs, clear lungs and a big heart.
