Trinidad and Tobago Association of Ottawa Celebrates 40th Anniversary
October 28, 2023
On October 28, 2023, the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Ottawa (TTAO) proudly celebrated its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of community, culture, and service from 1983 to 2023. The evening also featured the presentation of three scholarship awards in recognition of the academic achievements and aspirations of deserving students. The honouree for the evening was Dr. Alfredo E. Walker, a forensic pathologist and coroner. His Excellency Dennis Moses, High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago, delivered the opening remarks, followed by the blessing of the meal by Ms. Alyana Horsham. Senator Bernadette Clement was also in attendance and extended warm greetings to the event guests. Mr. Conrad Thomas, Past President of the TTAO, presented the evening’s honouree. Guests enjoyed an exceptional meal, lively music and dancing provided by DJ David Supersound, as well as raffles and door prizes. The celebration was a memorable tribute to the TTAO’s rich history and its continued commitment to supporting the community and future generations.

hONOURING A FORMER ttao pRESIDENT, DR. STEPHEN BLIZZARD.

Dr. Stephen Blizzard, is a posthumous 2023 inductee to the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. This Trinbagonian was a pioneer and trailblazer and this induction is well deserved.




Advanced technologies, such as aviation, create unique health challenges. As a military pilot, Stephen Blizzard developed standards and practices in aviation and aerospace medicine still used today, including publications such as Flight Times and Flight Duty Times in Canada, and the globally used Patient Care in Flight, covering pilot fatigue, jet lag, and inflight care. As an active-duty officer, Dr. Blizzard served in Operation Magnet mission, airlifting Vietnamese refugees to Canada, the United National Peacekeeping mission in Egypt, and as an advisor to the Air Force in Zimbabwe. A first-generation Black Canadian, and with the integral work and support of his wife Merle, Dr. Blizzard overcame systemic racism to become a pilot, physician, and decorated peacekeeper, serving as President of the International Civil Aviation Medical Association, the Canadian Society of Aerospace Medicine, and the Canadian Aerospace Medicine and Aeromedical Transport Association. He served with the NATO Advisory Group on Aerospace Research and Development and became a member of the prestigious International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine. Much honoured and decorated, his courageous legacy lives on in such awards as the Dr. Stephen Blizzard Trailblazer Award, commemorating a lifetime of exceptional achievement. To read more about Dr. Blizzard, click on this link.