Shihan Woon-A-Tai receives Medal of Service

Our chief instructor has yet another honour bestowed on him. He is among those receiving the prestigious Order of Guyana this year.

A native of Georgetown, Guyana, Master Woon-A-Tai, left Guyana over thirty-five years ago. Even though he now makes his home in Toronto, he has never forgotten his Guyanese roots.

He will be honoured with the Medal of Service in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the community and for his many achievements as a karate pioneer who worked tirelessly propagating the traditional Japanese martial art in the Caribbean, Canada, and elsewhere. 

Mr. Waynewright Orderson, Public Relations/Communications Officer of Guyana Karate College was ecstatic over the news.

In an e-mail correspondence, he said to Mr. Woon-A-Tai, “Your work in karate internationally has been outstanding, and your contributions to the Guyana Karate College and Guyana have been equally impressive. …This Medal of Service has been justly awarded to you, as you are truly a teacher at the highest level of achievement.”

This year’s Medal of Service recipients include Mrs. Yvonne Hinds, the prime minister's wife, President of National Relief Council; sports personalities Nicolette Fernandes (squash), Hugh Ross (Mr. Universe; body building), and Ramnaresh Sarwan (cricket). Other recipients are UG lecturer, poet, and playwright, Dr. Paloma Mohamed, Dr. Faye Clarke, and Dr. Holly Alexander.

In congratulating Master Woon-A-Tai, Mr. Orderson noted the award was in recognition of the karate instructor’s “long-standing dedication to improving the lives of young people.”

“It is your relentless devotion to breaking down barriers and lifting up your fellow citizens, set standards to which we all should strive! We are delighted that you have been honored for your tremendous tireless work with the youths of this country and beyond.

“Your humble leadership has changed lives and motivated people at all levels of society to envision and work towards helping young people find direction in life and to break the cycle of crime and violence.”

The medal will be presented by the President of Guyana himself in a ceremony at the end of July.