The first ever Keith Andre Sobryan Award was presented to Ms Victoria Sarjeant, Administrator, CRN+, at a ceremony to mark the occasion on Wednesday October 6, 2004 at Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel, Guyana.

Ms Sarjeant was among 12 nominees for the award and was selected for her distinguished and selfless service to CRN+ since the inception of the Network eight years ago.

Until mid-2002, Ms Sarjeant was the sole employee at the Secretariat, apart from the Regional Coordinator. For much of that time she worked as a volunteer receiving but a small stipend in compensation for her efforts. Nevertheless, she has always fulfilled her responsibilities with unparalleled dedication and diligence.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Yolanda Simon, lauded Ms Sarjeant's efforts, “burn[ing] the midnight oil on behalf of us.” Other members of the Network paid tribute to Ms Sarjeant in speech, recollecting experiences with her which positively impacted on their personal development.

The late Keith Andre Sobryan was a well-known performer who resided in Georgetown , Guyana . He joined CRN+ in its early days and served as a member on the Board for one term, followed by a term as Chairman.

Andre was a person who was full of life, always a ‘barrel of laughs', but he had a serious side to him as well. In Guyana , he was instrumental in forming a group called Artistes In Direct Support (A.I.D.S.).The group still operates, using art, drama, and dance as it teaches young people how to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and how to lead productive lives, while also supporting those persons living with HIV/AIDS in the country.

Mr Sobryan also played a key role in the development and creation of the Policy on HIV/AIDS for Guyana and worked tirelessly in combating the prejudices surrounding people living with HIV and those who choose an alternative lifestyle.

The suggestion to create an award in his memory came out of a conversation between CRN+ Chairman, Stacey Wilson, and Board Member, Michael Fox.

They both articulated the general consensus that it was time for the network to recognize the significant contributions that have been made to persons living with HIV/AIDS in the region. Though the award has no monetary value, it is felt that given all of the assistance the network has received from sero-negative persons, the time has come to pay tribute to them, while also remembering our members who have passed before us.