2024 Hall of Achievement

Professor Sanjay Bahadoorsingh

Professor Sanjay Bahadoorsingh, Hummingbird Medal Gold (2024), is a distinguished academic and professional in the fields of Electrical Engineering and Sustainable Energy. He holds a B.Sc. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from The University of the West Indies (UWI), an M.Sc. in Power Systems Engineering and Economics from The University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), and a Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from The University of Manchester. At just 41, he became the youngest male professor at UWI, serving as a Professor of Power Systems and Sustainable Energy and a former Head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (2021-2024).

Professor Bahadoorsingh has made substantial contributions to engineering education and policy in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean. He has served as Chairman of the National Technical Committee for Electrical Codes at the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) and as President of the International Electrotechnical Commission’s National Electrotechnical Committee for Trinidad and Tobago. His leadership extends to Co-Chairing the Specification Committee for Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles and spearheading significant initiatives such as the country’s first commercially inspected solar-powered EV DC Fast Charger.

His professional accolades include serving as an expert witness for the High Court of Trinidad and Tobago, notably during the 2015-2019 submarine power cable failure investigation. A prolific researcher, consultant, and advocate, Professor Bahadoorsingh is a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and has championed STEM education through initiatives such as the IEEE E-Scientia Module and the Women in Engineering Affinity Group.

In recognition of his outstanding service to Engineering and Education, he was awarded the Hummingbird Medal Gold in 2024. His contributions to standards development, sustainable energy, and education reflect his unwavering commitment to advancing Trinidad and Tobago’s engineering and educational landscape.

Anthony Garcia

Anthony Garcia is a highly respected professional in the field of education, whose remarkable career has been defined by his dedication to service, leadership, and excellence. A Mausica Teachers’ College graduate and University of the West Indies alumnus, Mr. Garcia brought his expertise to Fatima College in 2000, creating history as the only individual in Trinidad and Tobago to serve as principal of both a primary school (Dinsley-Trincity Government Primary) and a secondary school (Fatima College). His tenure at Fatima lasted until his retirement in 2009, during which he transformed the institution into an even more formidable centre of academic, cultural, and sporting excellence.

Mr. Garcia’s vision for Fatima College was clear: “To be an educational institution where excellence abounds.” He worked tirelessly to achieve this by engaging all key stakeholders, including the Board of Management, the Fatima Old Boys’ Association, and the Parent Support Group. He was meticulous in ensuring their input and collaboration in every major decision. Under his leadership, middle management was strengthened, and he insisted that all Deans and Heads of Department were appointed by the Teaching Service Commission, leaving no room for interim roles in his pursuit of operational excellence.

A staunch believer in the principle that “the working conditions of the teachers are the learning conditions of the child,” Mr. Garcia collaborated with the College Manager to improve Fatima’s physical infrastructure. His efforts led to the upgrading of science laboratories, improved classrooms, and an overall uplift of the campus, always with the support of stakeholders.

Mr. Garcia also focused on discipline, reinforcing the adage that “Fatima Boys are Good Boys” and ensuring they lived up to that standard. Beyond academics, he championed sports and cultural activities, believing that an educated young man should be well-rounded. Under his stewardship, Fatima’s choirs excelled at Music Festivals, and the College achieved success in Intercol football, swimming, cricket, and other sports.

Beyond his contributions to Fatima College, Mr. Garcia served his nation with distinction. He was President of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) for 13 years and President of the Caribbean Union of Teachers for two years, tirelessly advocating for better working and learning conditions for teachers and students alike. He also served as Minister of Education from 2015 to 2020 and was recognised as an Education Icon during Trinidad and Tobago’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

A dedicated community servant, Mr. Garcia has contributed significantly to organisations such as the Malabar Village Council, Arima All Stars Steel Orchestra, and Friends of the Arima Hospital. He remains a steadfast supporter of Fatima College, continuing to be actively involved in its activities even after retirement.

Dr. Bruce Paddington

Dr. Bruce Paddington is a trailblazer in education and audiovisual innovation, whose contributions to Fatima College and Trinidad and Tobago have left an indelible mark on the fields of education and media. From 1973 to 1978, Dr. Paddington taught History and English at Fatima College, during which time he revolutionised the educational experience by establishing the first Audio-Visual (AV) Centre in the country.

Under his leadership, the AV Centre became a hub of creativity and innovation, training over 100 teachers and students in the use of audiovisual aids and educational technology. Dr. Paddington organised regular film screenings in the AV room, school hall, and even on the playing field, creating an engaging learning environment. He also worked closely with students to produce short films, three of whom went on to careers at TTT, the national television station.

The AV Centre’s success garnered national recognition from the Ministry of Education and led to the creation of four AV positions at the newly formed Mucurapo Schools Community Project (MSCP). Dr. Paddington served as Director of Instructional Materials for the project, running workshops across the country and driving the production of educational programmes like the A La Orden series, which involved both students and teachers from Fatima.

During his tenure at Fatima, Dr. Paddington co-directed and produced The Model, which won the Secondary Schools Drama Festival for Fatima College, showcasing his commitment to nurturing artistic talent. The key figures from the MSCP—both teachers and students—later formed the foundation of Banyan Productions, which Dr. Paddington co-founded in 1974. Banyan went on to produce influential works such as Who the Cap Fits for the Family Planning Association, involving ex-students and teachers trained at Fatima.

The AV Centre also hosted numerous distinguished visitors, including the renowned author V.S. Naipaul, further solidifying its reputation as a centre of excellence and innovation.

Dr. Bruce Paddington’s visionary contributions to education and media have left a profound legacy, and his impact on Fatima College and beyond makes him a most deserving inductee into the Fatima Hall of Achievement.

Jeannette Zakour-Elias

Known affectionately as “Miss Zakour” during her time at Fatima College, Jeannette Zakour-Elias is remembered for her intelligence, grace, and unwavering dedication to her students. A pioneer in many respects, she was the first woman of Syrian-Lebanese descent in Trinidad to be awarded an Island Scholarship, which she used to pursue studies in French and Spanish at The University of the West Indies (UWI).

Mrs. Zakour-Elias broke barriers as one of the first two women to join the teaching staff at Fatima College, where she spent eight impactful years. She was celebrated for her engaging and creative lesson plans in languages and religious knowledge, leaving a lasting impression on her students. While teaching, she earned a Diploma in Education with distinction and co-authored both a French and a Spanish textbook, the latter in collaboration with then-principal, Clive Pantin.

Following her tenure at Fatima, she embarked on a remarkable 31-year career in corporate communications, most notably at the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC). As the manager of NGC’s Corporate Communications Department, she became an early advocate for corporate social responsibility, championing initiatives that directed funding to support the arts, sports, and science. Her vision and leadership had a profound impact on the communities NGC served.

Mrs. Jeannette Zakour-Elias passed away in April 2024, leaving behind a legacy of trailblazing achievement, steadfast dedication, and an enduring commitment to education, community, and family. She remains an inspiring figure whose impact continues to resonate.

RELIGION

Fr. Gregory Augustine, C.S.Sp.

Fr. Gregory Augustine, C.S.Sp., has devoted over three decades of his life to Fatima College, his alma mater, as an educator, administrator, and spiritual leader. A proud son of Fatima, Fr. Gregory’s journey began as a student in 1974, and his legacy continues today in his role as Chairman of the Board of Management, even after serving as Principal from 2009 to 2021.

Born on December 14, 1961, Fr. Gregory’s early education took place at Diego Martin Government School and Newtown Boys’ R.C. In 1974, he entered Fatima College and graduated in 1981 after completing his Advanced Level studies. Answering a higher calling, Fr. Gregory began his discernment and formation with the Holy Ghost Fathers at Tisserant House in Arouca in 1982. He pursued his theological studies, earning a B.A. in Theology from the University of the West Indies, and was ordained a Deacon in 1992. Six months later, he was ordained to the Priesthood and assigned to Fatima College as a teacher of Religion and History and as School Manager.

Fr. Gregory’s tenure as Principal from 2009 to 2021 was transformative for Fatima College. He was instrumental in enhancing the institution’s physical infrastructure, fostering a vibrant cultural life, and promoting academic excellence. His leadership ushered in a series of significant developments, many in collaboration with FOBA, including:

• School Hall Refurbishment Project (2010)
• Library and Form 6 Study Room Renovation (2011)
• School Pavilion and Gym Renovation (2012)
• Construction of a New School Wing (2013)
• Installation of Smartboards (2016)
• Chapel Renovation (2017)
• Basketball Court Renovation (2019)
• Physics and Biology Lab Renovations (2020)
• Cafeteria Renovation (2020)
• Boys’ Washroom Renovation (2020)

Under his guidance, Fatima College reached new heights in academics, achieving the highest number of National Scholarships (15) in the school’s history. Culturally, he expanded the College’s offerings, including the introduction of the annual school concert Gifts of Blue and Gold, an expanded Carnival program featuring mas bands and a Steelband competition, and the annual reenactment of the Passion of Christ before Easter. Socially, he revitalised the house system, reintroduced blazers for the Upper School in 2012 to enhance the Fatima boy’s image, and launched events like the family-oriented 5k run.

Fr. Gregory’s tenure also strengthened the relationship between Fatima College and the Fatima Old Boys’ Association (FOBA), fostering a dynamic and collaborative partnership. His vision of synergy between FOBA and the College became a cornerstone policy of the Board of Management.

Since his retirement in 2021, Fr. Gregory’s unwavering commitment to Fatima College has endured. In 2023, he returned to the College to continue serving in his role as Chairman of the Board of Management. His influence remains profound, inspiring students, staff, and the wider community with his steadfast dedication to excellence.

PUBLIC SERVICE

Roy Augustus

Roy Augustus is a trailblazer in education, community development, and culture, whose exceptional contributions to Trinidad and Tobago continue to resonate today. Born on 22nd April 1943 at #8 St. Paul Street, East Dry River, Roy spent the first 29 years of his life immersed in a community that inspired his lifelong passion for service. A proud alumnus of Bethlehem Boys’ R.C., Nelson Street Boys’ R.C., and Fatima College, Roy achieved his Senior Cambridge Certificate in 1960, choosing to prioritise his academics over football, where he represented Fatima up to the Colts level.

Roy’s journey as an educator began with his training at the Government Teachers’ College (1964-1966) and spanned several decades, including impactful tenures at Talparo R.C., Success R.C., and Rosary Boys’ R.C., where he served as Principal. A devout Roman Catholic, Roy also chaired the Catholic Teachers’ Association in the Port of Spain region and served as Vice Chairman at the national level, influencing educational policy and practice. He retired from teaching in 2000, two years before the official retirement age, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and mentorship.

As a passionate advocate for his East Dry River community, Roy was instrumental in the construction of the St. Paul Street Community Centre, one of the first in Trinidad. He chaired the centre and championed initiatives that fostered sports, music, and youth development. A proud member of the City Symphony Steel Orchestra, Roy also played a pivotal role in Trinidad and Tobago’s steelpan movement, becoming the first President of Pan Trinbago when the organisation was renamed from the National Association of Trinidad and Tobago Steelbandmen in 1971. His leadership was marked by teamwork, innovation, and a deep commitment to pan culture.

In public service, Roy’s influence extended to the National Carnival Commission, where he served as Chairman on two occasions. He was also a trusted advisor to the Ministers of National Security and Multiculturalism and contributed significantly to Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape. In 1986, as part of the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR), Roy’s organisational acumen helped secure a historic electoral victory, demonstrating his political skill and dedication to national development.

Roy’s achievements have been widely recognised, including being named an Honorary Distinguished Fellow by the University of Trinidad and Tobago in 2018. Despite fully retiring from public life, Roy remains an advocate for Laventille and its abundance of talent, calling for greater investment in opportunities for the area’s youth.

Roy Augustus’s enduring legacy as an educator, cultural leader, and community advocate makes him a most deserving inductee into the Fatima Hall of Achievement.

SPORT

Anton Corneal

Mr. Anton Corneal is a distinguished leader in football development, coaching, and education, whose extensive career has significantly impacted the sport in Trinidad and Tobago and across the Caribbean. A proud alumnus of Fatima College, Class of 1980, Mr. Corneal pursued his passion for football and education with excellence. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Erskine College, South Carolina, where he was a three-time All-American Soccer Team member and was inducted into the college’s Hall of Fame.

Mr. Corneal’s remarkable contributions to football include serving as Technical Director of Trinidad and Tobago Football, FIFA Technical Development Officer for the South-East Caribbean, and a Senior Coach Educator for CONCACAF. He has designed and conducted coaching education programmes, including the first-ever A License course in the Caribbean, empowering over 500 participants.

On the international stage, Mr. Corneal has held pivotal roles, including Assistant Coach of the Trinidad and Tobago Senior Team during the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and Head Coach of the U-17 National Team, which became the first Trinidad and Tobago youth team to qualify for a FIFA U-17 World Cup in South Korea. Over the years, Mr. Corneal has participated in three FIFA World Cup campaigns and played a key role in advancing youth development, grassroots programmes, and women’s football.

As a FIFA and CONCACAF Instructor, Mr. Corneal has conducted numerous courses across the region, focusing on grassroots development, elite coaching, and technical leadership. His innovative work includes contributing to FIFA’s Technical Directors Manual and Youth Coaching Manual and supporting strategic planning and performance programmes globally.

Mr. Corneal’s accolades include the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation Sterling Contribution Award, being the youngest player to score a hat-trick for Trinidad and Tobago’s Senior Team at 16, and recognition as a Triad Area Leader and Top 40 Under 40 in North Carolina.

Mr. Anton Corneal’s unwavering dedication to football development and education exemplifies excellence, making him a most deserving inductee into the Fatima Hall of Achievement.

CULTURE

Robert Solomon

Mr. Robert Solomon was a visionary creative, philanthropist, and community builder whose remarkable journey from Fatima College to a celebrated career in event design and charitable initiatives left an indelible mark on his community. His time at Fatima College showcased his early talents, particularly in decoration and artistic expression, as he contributed to the College’s iconic Carnival fundraisers, setting a standard for creativity and dedication that continues to this day.

After beginning his professional career at Royal Bank, Mr. Solomon discovered his passion for event planning and decorating. What started as side projects quickly grew into a thriving career, allowing him to bring his artistic vision to life and create memorable experiences for countless clients and events.

Mr. Solomon’s philanthropy was equally impactful. A cornerstone of his legacy is his charity, “Humans Helping Humans,” which he founded during the pandemic lockdown. This initiative provided meals to those in need, embodying his deep commitment to service and compassion. His work was also closely tied to the Cyril Ross Nursery, a home for children born with HIV/AIDS, where he directed his creativity and resources to support those in need.

In 2021, Mr. Solomon launched an initiative to bring holiday cheer to police stations across Trinidad and Tobago. Inspired by his love for community, he encouraged decorators to adopt police stations in their areas and beautify them for Christmas. What began as a call to action for a handful of decorators quickly grew into a nationwide movement, with over a dozen decorators—both professional and amateur—joining the effort to transform police stations into festive spaces. Businesses such as Excellent Stores also partnered with the initiative, offering special rates to decorators as part of this community-building project. The initiative received overwhelming support, with ISOS (I Support Our Services) and other community leaders lauding Mr. Solomon’s vision and its positive impact on law enforcement personnel and their communities.

A true advocate of living life to the fullest, Mr. Solomon’s motto, “Live, Love, Laugh,” defined his approach to every challenge he faced. His contributions to Fatima College and his broader community exemplify the values of generosity, resilience, and boundless creativity, making him a most deserving inductee into the Fatima Hall of Achievement.

Dr. Nick Fuller

Dr. Nick Fuller is a distinguished leader in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Automation, currently serving as Vice President of AI and Automation at IBM Research. In this role, he oversees a global team driving innovation in large language models (LLMs) and agent-based systems for enterprise management software. His work spans diverse data modalities, including text, code, time series, and images, with applications in business functions, IT systems, software engineering, and asset management.

With over 20 years of client-facing experience, Dr. Fuller has been instrumental in advancing IBM’s IT Automation portfolio and has contributed to the launch of groundbreaking modernization products for IBM and Red Hat. His leadership also shaped IBM’s full-stack edge computing research strategy and influenced five successive CMOS generations, addressing the needs of IBM Systems and OEM clients.

An IBM Master Inventor, Dr. Fuller holds over 75 patents, has authored more than 80 technical publications, and has been cited over 3,400 times. As a thought leader, his insights frequently appear in prestigious outlets such as Forbes, IEEE Spectrum, and Techspot.

Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Fuller earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics from Morehouse College and a Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Columbia University. Beyond his professional achievements, he is the author of Struggle and Progress and enjoys soccer, music, travel, and writing. He resides in Long Island, New York, with his wife and two sons.

Dr. Fuller’s exceptional contributions to AI and automation, along with his dedication to innovation and thought leadership, make him a worthy inductee into the Fatima Hall of Achievement.

Dr. Kern Guppy

Dr. Kern Hayden Guppy is a distinguished neurosurgeon, engineer, and academic whose career spans over 25 years in medicine and more than a decade in engineering. A proud alumnus of Fatima College, Class of 1972, Dr. Guppy’s academic journey began with an AMOCO scholarship to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering at the University of Tulsa. He later earned a Master’s and PhD in Petroleum Engineering, along with a Master’s in Industrial Engineering, from Stanford University, where he also served as a teaching assistant and Sigma Xi Science Honor Society member.

Dr. Guppy began his professional career as an Assistant Professor of Petroleum Engineering at the University of Southern California, where he collaborated on blood flow dynamics modeling with the medical school, igniting his interest in medicine. This passion led him to Northwestern University, where he obtained his MD, followed by a residency in Neurosurgery and a fellowship in Complex Spine Surgery.

Currently, Dr. Guppy is the Chief of Neurosurgery Spine at Kaiser Permanente Medical Group in Sacramento, California, and the Co-Lead of the Kaiser Permanente National Spine Registry. He also serves as Clinical Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of California, San Francisco, and the University of California, Davis, where he is the off-site Director of the Residency Program in Neurosurgery. His practice focuses on complex spine surgery and brain tumors, earning him recognition as a leader in the field.

A prolific researcher, Dr. Guppy has published over 65 peer-reviewed articles and holds numerous leadership positions in prestigious professional organizations, including past presidency of the San Francisco Neurological Society. Among his accolades, he received the 2022 Morris F. Collen Research Award for extraordinary accomplishments as a clinician-researcher and multiple awards for his clinical research.

Dr. Guppy maintains strong ties to Stanford University, serving on its Alumni Association Board of Directors and participating in the Stanford Alumni Mentoring Programme. In 2024, he achieved another milestone by earning a Master’s in Public Health from Harvard University.

Dr. Kern Guppy’s exemplary career, bridging engineering and medicine, reflects his unwavering dedication to innovation, education, and patient care, making him a most deserving inductee into the Fatima Hall of Achievement.

Dr. Damani Piggott

Dr. Damani Piggott is a distinguished academic, clinician, and leader in the fields of infectious diseases, epidemiology, and biomedical education. A proud alumnus of Fatima College, Dr. Piggott’s educational journey began with his exceptional performance in Trinidad and Tobago, earning him a National Scholarship in 1992. This achievement set the stage for a stellar academic career, culminating in his valedictorian honors at Morehouse College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Spanish, summa cum laude.

He pursued his medical and doctoral studies at Yale University, obtaining an MD and a PhD in Immunobiology. Dr. Piggott further honed his expertise through residencies and fellowships at Yale New Haven Hospital and Johns Hopkins University, specializing in internal medicine, pediatrics, and infectious diseases.

Currently, Dr. Piggott serves as an Associate Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University. He is also the Inaugural Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Diversity and Partnerships and the Executive Director of the Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative, a groundbreaking $150 million program aimed at fostering pathways for underrepresented students in STEM fields.

Dr. Piggott’s research focuses on aging and HIV, particularly among marginalized populations, and he has made significant contributions to understanding frailty and inflammation in these communities. His leadership extends to global public health initiatives and mentoring programs, reflecting his deep commitment to equity and excellence in education and healthcare.

Dr. Damani Piggott exemplifies the highest standards of academic and professional achievement, and his legacy is a source of inspiration to the Fatima College community and beyond.

Ronald Roberts

Born on 17th February 1968 in Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Ronald Suresh Roberts is a distinguished alumnus of Fatima College, where he was also a member of the Trinidad national swim team. After excelling at UWI Primary School and Fatima College, Mr. Roberts received a National Island Scholarship in 1986, propelling him to academic success at Balliol College, Oxford, and later at Harvard Law School, where he earned his Master of Laws. While at Harvard, Mr. Roberts shared the classroom with then-future U.S. President Barack Obama.

Mr. Roberts’s illustrious legal career began at the prestigious Wall Street firm Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts. During his time there, he was awarded a fellowship to coordinate an international delegation of 85 lawyers who monitored South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994. Inspired by this transformative experience, Mr. Roberts chose to remain in South Africa, dedicating himself to the nation’s emerging legal and constitutional reform processes. His advisory work on privatisation and public-private partnerships had a defining impact on South Africa’s policy development, earning him recognition as a key contributor to the nation’s National Water Act and Water Services Act.

A prolific author, Mr. Roberts’s first book, Clarence Thomas and the Tough Love Crowd, was a critical exploration of neoconservative ideology. He later co-authored Reconciliation Through Truth with Kader and Louise Asmal, a pivotal work on apartheid-era governance, featuring a foreword by Nelson Mandela. Mr. Roberts’s literary accomplishments continued with a biography and critique of Nobel Laureate Nadine Gordimer and the authorised biography of South African President Thabo Mbeki, Fit to Govern.

Currently residing in Cape Town, South Africa, Mr. Roberts has transitioned into commercial ventures, serving as a shareholder and executive of a consultancy that bridges critical data gaps for multinational stakeholders across Africa. His work continues to shape understanding and foster growth in developing markets.

Mr. Ronald Roberts epitomises the values of excellence, service, and intellectual achievement, making him a most deserving inductee into the Fatima Hall of Achievement.