By Frederick Halley
THE Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship is a provincial medal of merit awarded in the Canadian province of Ontario. It was established by the Government of Ontario in 1973 to recognise people who, through exceptional long-term efforts, have made outstanding contributions to the well-being of their communities and whose assistance is given without expectation of remuneration.
Among the recent awardees was Guyanese-born Canadian, Narine Dat Sookram, who migrated to Canada almost 30 years ago. According to Narine, he aimed to build a career, but he pointed out, he built something else: a reputation for helping job seekers – particularly people of colour – find employment.
Sookram also built a safety net by offering his skills as a registered social worker psychotherapist – free of charge – to immigrants, refugees and international students facing mental health issues. He assisted newcomers with finding safe housing to alleviate the stress of looming homelessness.
On the theme of building, Sookram quipped, “I built something that was missing: a West Indian radio show to give my community a sense of home. That’s how Caribbean Spice Radio was born. Since then, my programme has captured both Canadian and international listeners. And it’s the only Caribbean radio show to win multiple CKMS Radio Waterloo Sonic Boom People’s Choice Awards.”
Moreover, Sookram’s Doctor of Social Work candidacy marks a significant milestone in his career, reinforcing his commitment to advancing his expertise and enhancing his capacity to serve the community. This educational achievement complements his extensive accolades, including the Global Public Peace Prize and multiple awards recognising his volunteer service and contributions to mental health and cultural diversity. Such recognition from various esteemed organisations highlights his sustained excellence and dedication to social betterment.
Throughout his career, Sookram has excelled in his professional endeavours and substantially contributed to his community. His role in promoting mental health awareness and supporting addiction recovery has had a profound impact on individuals and families, demonstrating his significant influence as a community leader. This impact is further evidenced by his receipt of the Waterloo Award, the city’s highest civic honour, which acknowledges his significant contributions to the betterment of the Waterloo region.
Sookram’s leadership extends beyond his immediate professional duties. He has been instrumental in fostering an inclusive community environment, evidenced by his recognition with awards such as the City of Pickering Cultural Diversity Civic Award and the Champion of Community Diversity Award. These honours reflect his exceptional ability to bridge cultural gaps and promote a harmonious community dynamic, essential qualities that underscore the importance of his work in social services.
The array of awards and honours Sookram has received over the years – over 200 – paints a picture of a highly respected, dedicated professional in his field. The OASW Distinguished Social Worker Award and the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award are particularly notable, as they celebrate his significant contributions to social work and his exemplary service to the nation, respectively. These awards commend his past achievements and indicate his ongoing influence and leadership in the social work sector.
His proactive engagement with various organisations and initiatives further solidified Sookram’s professional standing. Sookram’s active participation in these groups enhances his professional network and enriches his skills and knowledge, keeping him at the forefront of his field. This continuous professional development and his commitment to excellence significantly contribute to his reputation as a leader and innovator in social work, making him a standout individual in his industry.
As Sookram continues to advance in his career and expand his influence, his legacy of service and leadership will undoubtedly inspire future generations of social workers and community leaders. All of his other awards are a recognition of his past contributions and an acknowledgment of his potential to inspire and lead future initiatives that address critical social issues. Narine Dat Sookram exemplifies excellence in his field, making him truly deserving of this distinguished recognition.
Sookram was born and raised at Number 65 Village but grew up at Number 64 Village, Berbice, Guyana. He lived right by the Number 63 Village close to the New Market Primary School, where his family had a successful business cake shop. During his childhood days, he was an active member at the Number 64 Krishna Mandir (Hindu Temple) and, at one point, was the assistant priest at 14. He attended New Market Primary School and Tagore Memorial Secondary School before migrating to Canada in 1993.
Narine is the last of seven children and the first to have completed post-secondary and post-grad education. He graduated with several degrees, including a Master of Social Work from Brescia University, a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba, a Bachelor of Professional Arts from Athabasca University, a Bachelor of Education in Adult Education from Brock University, Social Service Worker Diploma from Mohawk College, Post-Grad in Career Development from Conestoga College and a Doctor of Social Work from Capella University.
