23rd Annual Caribbean American Heritage Awards Gala

23rd Annual

Friday, November 18, 2016

Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, DC

CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH Caribbean immigrants have been contributing to the well being of American society since the founding of the nation.

Alexander Hamilton, the First Secretary of the US Treasury was from the island of Nevis. We count among our famous sons and daughters, Gen. Colin Powell, Cicely Tyson, W.E.B. Dubois, James Weldon Johnson, Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier to name a few.

ICS’ effort to create a National Caribbean American Heritage Month began in 1999 with a letter to President Clinton asking for the recognition of August as Caribbean American Heritage Month. Subsequently, ICS joined forces with an Ad-Hoc Group of Washington DC residents under the leadership of Doreen Thompson, to organize a celebration in June, around the DC Carnival. This idea was rejected by the DC Carnival, and so in 2000, ICS organized a separate celebration of June as Caribbean American Heritage Month in Washington DC, building on efforts also started in 1999.

In 2001, ICS began creating national awareness for Caribbean American Heritage Month, with the launch of the DC Caribbean Film Festival. The Campaign for a National Caribbean American Heritage Month gained traction in 2004, when Congresswoman Barbara Lee tabled a Bill in Congress, with language provided by ICS Founder and President, Dr. Claire Nelson. The Bill passed the House in June 2005, and the Senate in February 2006. President Bush signed proclamation on June 6, 2006. ICS formed a National Commemorative Committee and Jamaican American actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph and basketball great Rick Fox of Bahamian heritage, were named Official Spokespersons for the National Caribbean American Heritage Month, and served through 2009. In subsequent years, 2010-2011, Jimmy Jean Louis, of Haitian heritage was named; Lorraine Toussaint of Trinidadian Heritage served in 2012-2013; and Jimmy Jean Louis served in 2014-2016. 2016 also saw the inclusion on The Voice Contestant Anita Antoinette as Musical Ambassador.

Over the last ten years, ICS has mentored leaders and shepherded the formation of organizations all across the United States. From Tallahassee to Atlanta to Boston, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Oakland, Chicago, NCAHM has served as a crucible for galvanizing leadership. Activities coordinated by ICS Members and Partners have included: • National Press Conference with the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President, New York • National Inter-Faith Worship Service, Washington DC • National Caribbean American Legislative Conference, Washington DC • White House Briefing & Reception, Washington DC • DC Caribbean Film Festival, Washington DC • Caribbean American Business Council Briefing, Washington DC • Arts Festival on Ellis Island, New York City • Tribute to Hollywood and the Arts, Los Angeles • Caribbean American Heritage Month Mayoral Reception, Miami • Youth Essay Competition, South Florida • AllSPICE Festival of the Arts & Humanities, Washington DC • Mayoral Reception, Baltimore • Caribbean Sea Fan Festival Online, Global Broadcast via CaribVision TV ICS also partnered with or provided support to other organizations to conduct events such as: • • • • • • • • •

City Hall Breakfast & Reception, Atlanta UniFest Business Expo and Multi-Cultural Festival, Miami Trade Exposition, Orlando City Hall Reception, Oakland Ecumenical Church Service, Philadelphia Church Service & Family Day, Minneapolis Symposium & Reception, Camden Conference & Reception, Office of the Brooklyn Borough President, Brooklyn Reception & Concert, Office of the Queens Borough President, Queens

Campaign Chair for June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month

www.caribbeanamericanheritage.org www.icsdc.org

THE INSTITUTE OF CARIBBEAN STUDIES Advancing the interests of Caribbean Americans

President’s Message Dear Friends, At 23 years old – we are grateful that we have survived , we have created a solid foundation of service and relationships for the next generation of leadership who must now be readying themselves in the wings. ICS has in the last twelve months done a lot to… Imagineer Caribbean Sustainability! Innovate Caribbean Solidarity! And, Incubate Caribbean Successtories! We remain intentional about holding the vision of an engaged Caribbean diaspora doing their part to ensure the successful democracy in the USA our adopted home, as well as the sustainable development of the Caribbean region from whence we hail.

So imagine with me our future history. It is the year 2030, and the National Caribbean American Heritage and Cultural Center (NCAHAC) in Washington DC, will open with a Reggae in America Exhibition in partnership with VP Records and the International Reggae Poster Competition. The Center which houses offices, a restaurant, an art gallery, exhibition and performing space has been home to several exhibitions of note since its opening in 2025, including one with noted Quilt Artist Donnette Cooper, whose Obama Quilt now hangs in the Central Foyer through a partnership with the National Museum of African American History. The Caribbean American Online Archives now boasts some 1,000,000 entries and is the go-to place for students of American history. On the economic development front, the Caribbean American Marketing Alliance (CAMA) has successfully engaged a network of Caribbean farmers, distributors, designers and artists in bring Caribbean cultural artifacts to the marketplace. In addition, the Caribbean Diaspora Community Development Note has proven successes – including a high-speed ferry linking St. Kitts to Nevis; and a chain of community based tourism operations under the brand name “Thrive Caribbean”. The Caribbean has become a stellar example of inclusive prosperity and sustainable development to countries around the world and the diaspora is very much a part of it. Is such a vision possible?

We look back with some pride in our accomplishments, but we remain impatient about the work yet left to be done. The next four years will no doubt bring new challenges as we weather the storm of another contract on America that would seem to have no room for those who look like us. But the fact is we already “Occupy America” – the school rooms, the sick rooms and the war rooms. The imprint of Caribbean culture dots the landscape across these United States. We have claimed ground in America through the commemoration of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month, through Invest Caribbean Agribusiness Forum, and these Caribbean American Heritage Awards. The “Caribbean American” person has arrived on the policy stage, with ICS leading the campaign that brought us this far. What next? Will we be around in 2020? 2030?

Our vision is to move to institutionalization and professionalization of ICS. To those who have been sitting on the sidelines waiting for manna to fall, I say “No one will fund our freedom, and none but ourselves can free our mind”. Indeed, the next four years may unfold in the ways we cannot even imagine. But one thing I know for sure, is that the need for ICS remains clear. We must advance in the direction of our dreams of inclusive prosperity and sustainable development. We must move from charity giving to development investing. We must plant our seeds in the ground of optimism, for it is us who must cultivate the opportunities at hand, until they demonstrate fertility. We must Ignite the Caribbean and Farm the Future.

The journey to our desired future of thriving will not be easy. And so we sail forth on our ships of self-determination, service and solidarity to mine the treasures that lies in our intellect, our relationships, and our dreams. We are committed to creating inclusive prosperity and environmental sustainability – through programs such as Life Skills, Empowerment and Entrepreneurial Development (LifeSEED) and our Sustainable Impact Investing Initiative (S3I). Will you to journey with us?

Tonight, we honor those among us who demonstrate that the Light of God lives within us all. Through the Caribbean American Heritage Awards we lift up these exemplars of excellence, whose genius and hard work makes real America’s success as an immigrant nation. We too sing America! From 19th Century newspaper publisher John Russworm to 20th Century Pan-African Icon Marcus Garvey to to 21st Century White House Usher Angella Reid, we know that Caribbeans have brought to America, gifts that have helped make America great. We are part of America’s history -- past, present and future. Tonight, we reflect in the light of these we honor. They are beacons of hope and glowing stars of the Spirit of the Caribbean. Please join me in celebrating these extraordinary lives. To God Be the Glory.

Claire A. Nelson, Ph.D.

CONGRATULATION TO ICS AND ALL 2015 CARIBBEAN AMERICAN AWARDS RECIPIENTS www.goodworksintl.com

Chairman’s Message Ambassador Carlton A. Masters Ambassador of Jamaica to the Africa Union and Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Jamaica Chairman and Chief Executive Officer GoodWorks International

Distinguished Guests and Friends: It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to this 23rd Annual Caribbean-American Heritage Awards Gala. As we celebrate the exemplars we honor tonight, let us also be mindful that we celebrate also the vision that is ICS. ICS continues to demonstrate the adage – ‘the heights of great men sought and kept we not attained by sudden flight, but they while their companions slept, were onwards through the night’. ICS volunteers have registered significant achievements that remain unparalleled in the Caribbean American Community. These include: the First White House Briefings to the Caribbean Community; the passage of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month; National Profile Partner for the US Census; Annual Legislative Forums on Capitol Hill; recognition in the US Congressional Record; selection as a partner for the USAID Diaspora for Development Initiative; and recognition of ICS' Founder and President as a White House Champion of Change. ICS has been and will remain a key partner for US/Caribbean relations going forward.

So at this stage what is next for ICS? As we enter the new era, ICS is uniquely positioned to continue to lead the advancement of Caribbean-American interests. Whether it be small business tax issues, student loans, homeland security, de-risking, immigration, and/or climate change, the issues that ICS will need to address will be growing and as such we hope that we will see an increased interest in financial support for ICS. For ICS access to, and knowledge of, the Washington DC policy stage, as well as the mobilization of the Caribbean-American diaspora ICS has demonstrated it capability, which is proven by its track record to date.

Tonight we honor individuals who have risen to the heights of their professions, nationally and internationally. Their influence has radiated to benefit “Brand Caribbean” in many positive ways and we are the better for their stellar example. We thank all your our guests and sponsors for supporting this event and for supporting the work of ICS over the decades. We look forward to creating new partnerships and exploring new opportunities to advance the interests of the Caribbean Region economically, socially and politically.

Regards,

Ambassador Carlton A. Masters

Advancing Therapeutics, Improving Lives.

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Our portfolio of medicines and pipeline of investigational drugs include treatments for HIV/AIDS, liver diseases, JHUJLY PUÅHTTH[VY` HUK YLZWPYH[VY` KPZLHZLZ HUK cardiovascular conditions.

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GILEAD IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE 23RD ANNUAL CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE AWARDS GALA.

For more information, please visit www.gilead.com. © 2016 Gilead Sciences, Inc.

It is my great pleasure to Congratulate

Dr. John Edward Greene for his outstanding career and his contributions to the establishment of PANCAP against HIV/AIDS Epidemic Best Wishes, Dr. Audrey Austin

Gala Menu Hors d’ouvres Local Brie and Cranberry Crostini Coconut Crusted Chicken Tender Honey Mustard Sweet and Sour Glazed Shrimp Jamaican Beef Cocktail Patty Jamaican Chicken Cocktail Patty

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First Course Field Greens with fresh Tropical Fruits, Jicama, and Crunchy Taro Champagne Vinaigrette Honey Grain Bread with Butter Bread Service

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Entree Coconut Crusted Mahi Mahi and Rock Shrimp with Old Bay Sauce With Mango Salsa, Cuban Black Beans, Calypso Brown Rice and Acorn Squash

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Dessert Chocolate Bread Pudding

Program CALL TO ORDER • INVOCATION • WELCOME • OPENING REMARKS • DINNER • ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS • CELEBRATORY REMARKS • THE CHARGE •

AWARDS PRESENTATIONS Tribute Excellence in the Arts Outstanding Contributions to Public Health Vanguard Outstanding Public Service Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Trailblazer Tribute Luminary MUSICAL FINALE THE AFTER PARTY PRE-DINNER ENTERTAINMENT PAN LARA

Gabriel Abed Vanguard Award

Gabriel began exploring cryptocurrencies and their underlying Distributed Ledger Technology, during his undergraduate study as early as 2010. An alumnus of the University of Ontario, he received a Bachelor of Information Technology specializing in Cryptographics and Network Security. Enthralled by the potential of cryptocurrencies and conscious of the revolution unfolding around him, he became an early adopter and lifetime technology evangelist. He capitalized on his 15 years of experience working in the software and technology field, founding BitEdge with its subsidiaries: Caridot (the largest and leading Caribbean domain name registrar) and websites.bb (a leader in custom website designs). Bitt, his latest and most groundbreaking journey, is a FinTech company built around the twin pillars of global connection and financial inclusion. Gabriel believes that Bitt offers unprecedented solutions to disruptive regional issues from remittance payments to providing much-needed access to e-commerce solutions. With a significant multi-million dollar injection from Overstock.com, the desire, grit, and mettle that Gabriel embodies has been recognized by global partners. Gabriel is now perceived as the leading regional advocate and authority on digital currency.

In February 2016, Bitt broke new ground by launching a digitized version of the Barbados dollar, the first ever global example of a digitized fiat currency being approved and embraced by a central bank. To date, Gabriel has spoken at the Richard Branson’s Blockchain Summit, the United Nations, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the regional ITU conference, the Barbados International Business Association, and the University of the West Indies.

Gabriel Abed is 29 years old from Barbados.

Gerard A. Alphonse, PhD Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Gerard A. Alphonse had a 43-year career as a research scientist at the RCA Laboratories David Sarnoff Research Center (now part of SRI International) where he made major contributions in a broad range of technical areas including superconductivity, acoustooptic, holography, optical disc recording, semiconductor laser diodes, optical amplifiers and superluminescent diodes (SLD). He is internationally recognized as the inventor of the SLD, a semiconductor infrared light source, which is a key component in ophthalmology “OCT” systems used to measure the thickness of the retina for patients with glaucoma and macular degeneration. Today, the SLD is used exclusively in ophthalmology and is manufactured by a large number of companies around the world.

Dr. Alphonse believes in educational and professional activities as a way to give back to society. For 15 years he taught courses in the Evening Division at LaSalle University in Philadelphia, and served as Chairman of the Electronic Physics Department for four years. In 1975 he was appointed a consultant to the National Science Foundation for two years. For several years he served as a member of the prestigious Franklin Institute’s Science & Arts Committee.

Throughout his career he has been an active volunteer and a fellow of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers), in which he served progressively as Section Chair, Region Director, IEEE-USA President (2005) and member of the Board of Directors. After retirement from RCA/Sarnoff, he founded his consulting firm GAA Associates and served as Chief Technology Officer in two start-up firms.

Dr. Alphonse obtained a BSEE (1958) and a MSEE (1959) from New York University, and a Ph.D. in ElectroPhysics (1967) from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn (now New York Polytechnic University). He is the author and co-author of more than 120 technical papers and holds more than 60 U.S. and foreign patents. In June 2005, he was inducted into the New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame, and in February 2010 he received the 2009 Eta Kappa Nu Vladimir Karapetoff Award for his inventions and developments in superluminescent diodes and related devices. Dr. Alphonse is a member of the honorary societies Eta Kappa Nu, Tau Beta Pi and Sigma Xi.

Goulda Downer, PhD, RD, LN, CNS, FAND Outstanding Contribution to Healthcare As an Assistant Professor at the College of Medicine, Howard University, Dr. Goulda Downer also currently serves as Project Director and Principal Investigator for Howard’s Capital Region AETC Telehealth Training Center (HU-CRTP). Prior to her faculty appointment at Howard, Dr. Downer served in several prominent clinical positions including: Assistant Clinical Professor and Director of Public Health Nutrition at Georgetown University Medical School; as the Director of Medical Education for the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome; on the Nutrition Faculty in the School of Public Health and Health Services at George Washington University; as a nutrition expert to the U.S. Department of Justice, the United States Agency for International Development and the DC Superior Court.

To reduce stigma with respect with respect to HIV/AIDS in the clinical community, Dr. Downer worked with other institutional partners to develop and launch the National Clinicians HIV/AIDS Testing and Awareness Day (NCHATAD), which Congress approved in 2007, with the support of Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) and her colleagues.

When reports showed that the District was the epicenter of HIV in the US, and that HIV care was not optimal, Dr. Downer appealed to the District’s leaders, in her then role as Chair for the DC State Health Coordinating Council, to mandate that clinicians practicing in the District be required to take Continuing Medical Education courses annually.

The DC City Council approved Bill B19-510, which requires three (3) hours of HIV/AIDS Continuing Education credits beginning in 2014.

Dr. Downer is a Jamaican, an international speaker and has served on several boards, including advisory board member to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and as Chair of the Board of Nutrition and Dietetics of the DC Department of Health.

Ambassador Dr. John Edward Greene Outstanding Public Service Award Dr. John Edward Greene, currently UN Secretary General Special’s Envoy for HIV in the Caribbean, was previously Assistant Secretary General, Human and Social Development- CARICOM Secretariat and Senior Adviser, Health and Human Development, PAHO/WHO. He played pioneering roles in the establishment of the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Medical and other Health Professionals, and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).

He served on many prestigious Boards including United Way Jamaica, Inter American Foundation, Canadian International Institute for Peace and Security, Commonwealth Secretariat High Level Panel for South-South Cooperation in Higher Education, and the International Cricket Council for Caribbean World Cup Cricket 2007.

His distinguished academic career at UWI included: Pro Vice Chancellor, Development and Alumni Relations; University Director, Institute of Social and Economic Relations (ISER); Interim Director, Consortium Graduate School for the Social Sciences in the Caribbean and appointments to the rank of Professor and inaugural Professorial Fellow, ISER. Dr. Greene is the recipient of numerous awards including national honours from Guyana and Suriname, the PAHO/WHO Distinguished Award for Administration in Public Health, the Sir Phillip Sherlock Award for outstanding contribution to health and development in the Caribbean and the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Lifetime Youth Award.

He has authored 10 books and over 60 articles and is Professor Emeritus of UWI. He holds a B.Sc. in Economics (London University), MSc Political Economy (Mc Master University) and Ph.D. (University of British Columbia). Dr. Greene is from Guyana.

David Hochoy Excellence in the Arts Award

A son of the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; David Hochoy is the renowned Artistic Director of Dance Kaleidoscope (DK). Now in his 26th season, David is the visionary leader of the highly acclaimed Indianapolis-based dance ensemble.

Through his studies with the Alvin Ailey and Martha Graham dance schools, David’s undeniable talent has given him the opportunity to dance, teach and choreograph with numerous national and international dance companies including, the Vienna International Dance Festival and the American Dance Festival Seoul in Korea. Since becoming DK’s Artistic Director in 1991, David has choreographed over 70 dances including Carmina Burana and Romeo and Juliet Fantasy.

David is not only an international ambassador of dance, but he is also a benefactor. He is the founder and co-artistic Director of Spotlight, an annual fund-raiser for the Indiana Aids Fund that has brought together the Indianapolis Performing Arts community.

Having a distinguished career in dance and choreography has not gone unnoticed. David is a recipient of the prestigious Choo-San Goh Award and a two-time recipient of a Master Fellowship in Choreography. He has been awarded the Key to the City by the City/County Council and the Distinguished Hoosier Award by the Governor of Indiana. Mayor Gregory A. Ballard declared April 2, 2011 as David Hochoy Day in honor of his 20 years as Dance Kaleidoscope’s Artistic Director and in recognition of his service to the arts in Indianapolis. In 2013 the Indiana Historical Society named him an Indiana Living Legend and in 2016, he was presented with the Governor’s Arts Award from the Indiana Arts Commission.

Machel Montano Luminary Award

One cannot talk about Soca without acknowledging the immense contributions of Machel Montano. The Trinidad-born ‘King of Soca’ began his career at the tender age of seven, and has dominated the genre ever since. Montano’s repertoire and achievements include: his May 1984 appearance at Madison Square Garden in the Felt Forum in New York City at the age of 9 where he was billed as a support act for the Mighty Sparrow and other top Calypsonians; receiving the 2008 Bob Marley Award Entertainer of the Year at the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) at the historic Apollo Theatre in New York, and also in 2008, receiving an award at the 1st Annual BET J Virtual Awards for Best Caribbean Artiste of the Year. Montano is also the many-crowned Soca monarch: in 2011, he won the Power Soca Monarch title; in 2012 he became a Triple Crown Winner, by winning the Groovy Soca Title and International Power Soca Monarch competitions; and in 2013, he defended his titles; in 2015, he also successfully defend his Power Soca Monarch title for the fifth time with the infectious song “Like Ah Boss” which also won the coveted Road March title.

Montano’s mission of making Soca part of mainstream music has resulted in him performing to sold out crowds in Madison Square Garden and performing on the main stage of Coachella, one of the premiere festivals featuring the who’s who in pop music. In 2016, Montano added actor to his illustrious repertoire with his acting debut in the film ‘Bazodee.’ Montano also supports agriculture and entrepreneurship in Trinidad and Tobago where his foundation is working with partners to promote the cocoa industry. Whether he’s selling out Madison Square Garden or rocking a 25,000 deep crowd at his namesake fete on home soil – Machel is an unmatched entertainer, an artist of growing global influence, and a man on a mission.

Victoria Rowell Trailblazer Award

Victoria Rowell is an Emmy-nominated, NAACP-winning actress, writer, producer and a self-taught dancer. Rowell began her career as a ballet dancer and model, before making her acting debut in the 1987 comedy film, Leonard Part 6. In 1990, Rowell joined the cast of the CBS daytime soap opera, The Young and the Restless as Drucilla Winters.

Rowell is also known for her role as Dr. Amanda Bentley in the prime time television series Diagnosis Murder, where she co-starred with Dick Van Dyke.

Other credits include Home of the Brave and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and other series. She stars in the movie, Marry Me For Christmas and upcoming feature, What Love Will Make You Do. She has been in multiple films starring opposite Samuel L. Jackson, Jim Carrey, Eddie Murphy, Forest Whitaker, Will Smith and more. Rowell is currently filming opposite The Blacklist/Man of Steel star, Harry Lennix.

Rowell, of Jamaican heritage, is an international lecturer, teacher, advocate, mother and former foster youth; has been recognized by 193 members of Congress for her advocacy work on behalf of education, arts, foster and adoptive youth and parents as well as diversity issues.

The New York Times bestselling author of The Women Who Raised Me, published by HarperCollins Publishers, received literary acclaim is the mother of two adult children, Maya and Jasper. Rowell also enjoys a literary book deal with Simon & Schuster for her popular soap opera novel series.

Maureen Bunyan

2016 Host

Maureen Bunyan is a veteran television news broadcaster and a primary anchor for ABC 7. Ms. Bunyan anchors the 6 p.m. weeknight newscasts.

Named a "Washingtonian of the Year" in 1992, Ms. Bunyan has an extensive record of service to the community. She is a founder and board member of the International Women’s Media Foundation, which serves women in the media in 100 countries. She is a founder of the National Association of Black Journalists. She also serves on the National Advisory Board of the Casey Journalism Center on Children & Families, the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital Women’s Advisory Board, the Advisory Committee of Women in Film & Video and is a board member of Women of Washington.

In recognition of her significant contributions to broadcasting for over 30 years, Ms. Bunyan has been inducted into the "Hall of Fame" of the Washington Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, "The Silver Circle" of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) and the Broadcast Pioneers Club of Washington. She has been awarded seven local Emmys, and the "Ted Yates Award," given by NATAS to Washington, DC news broadcasters who are leaders in the profession. She was named "Journalist of the Year" by the National Association of Black Journalists. She received the annual "Immigrant Achievement Award" from the American Immigration Law Foundation in 2002.

Ms. Bunyan attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Columbia University School of Journalism and holds a Master's Degree from Harvard University Graduate School of Education.

She was born in Aruba and grew up in Southeastern Wisconsin. She is of Guyanese descent.

If you are interested in booking Maureen for a public appearance, please contact Director of Community Relations Abby Fenton at afenton@wjla.com. Please make sure your email includes the following: 1) Name of the organization, 2) Event Date, 3) Time of the event, 4) Number of people expected to attend, 5) County, 6) Event location, and 7) Role of the ABC7 personality at the event.

Special Guest Speaker Stephanie L. Young is Senior Public Engagement

Advisor in the White House Office of Public Engagement, her second assignment in the White House, which she began in 2014 as Associate Communications Director. Prior to joining the White House staff, the Hampton graduate served as National Press Secretary in the Office of the Democratic Whip Representative Steny Hoyer. The Broadcast journalism early work experiences included stints at the Congressional Black Caucus, Rock the Vote and The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.

About The Image Band

The Image Band has harmonious rhythms and dynamic vocals. This electrifying group of musicians that has shattered all traditional notions of success in the Caribbean entertainment industry. The Image Band was the first group to win the Best Musical Band Award presented by the D.C. Carnival Committee. They were also crowned as Brass-O-Rama champions by the TNT Day in the Park Association of Baltimore. The Washington Post has featured Image Band several times in their “Caribbean Fest Live at the Carter Baron Amphitheatre”. These accomplishments reflect the group's pursuit of musical excellence and encourage them to continue striving for more. This was more evident when the band was asked to perform for the Presidential Inaugural Ball of President Bill Clinton and again for President Barack Obama.

“Yo ready? Le meh see yo!” Those are the words pumping through the sound system as the lights come up and Soca/Dancehall Powerhouse Image Band hits the stage again for another foot-stomping show. Every journey to the stage is an opportunity to make a musical statement.

Pulsating percussive rhythms; throbbing guitar and bass riffs; steady keyboard patterns; and the oily-smooth precision execution of live horns, complement the group's presentations.

About

PANLARA is an organization that provides an arts and cultural forum for youths from diverse communities in the, D.C. metropolitan area. It creates performance opportunities to market and enhance talents of artistic youths. The main emphasis is to facilitate partnerships among community youth groups and encourage them to build businesses through their youth entrepreneurship program.

Recently, PANLARA hosted its 4th Annual International Youth Arts and Culture Festival in downtown Spring Spring, Maryland. In celebration of International Youth Day, the theme of the festival was “Music Empowers”. Talented youth from around the globe displayed their musical skills through performances reflecting a diverse genre of music. From fashion design to painting and sculpting, the cultural artistic expressions of the youth were on full display.

PANLARA Youth Steel Orchestra’s aim is to share their African Caribbean culture through steel pan music. On its initial international tour, the original members traveled to South Africa to perform for school children in Soweto, South Africa, a trip that has changed their lives completely by visiting historical sites such as Robbens Island to experience Nelson Mandela’s prison cell, as well as his home. They also arrange various genres of music for their performances and conduct virtual on-line steel pan classes and seminars. In addition, PANLARA performs at local schools, churches and nursing homes to entertain the community and teach the instrument.

PANLARA has received the distinguished National Guard Community Service Award, Department of Agriculture Certificate of Appreciation, and the Montgomery County Certificate of Appreciation, among others. Also, the group was recently featured on WPFW Radio Program “Live @5”, Fox5 News DC and the inaugural DC Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival.

Selected Accomplishments The Institute's activities include workshops, seminars, symposia, and conferences. A selected listing of our exemplary accomplishments includes:

2016

Thirty Under Thirty CAHM Honors ICS President Invited to National Security Forum ICS invited to speak at Caribbean Week of Agriculture ICS invited to speak at FOROMIC (hosted by IDB/MIF)

2015

Forum on the Future: Jamaica 2030 and Beyond ICS partners with CPN to do Educational Tour to Cuba ICS Launches LifeSEED Project in Trench Town

2014

Caribbean Sea Fan Festival - 8 Hours Online Telethon (CaribVISION TV) Caribbean Climate Change Forum in New York City Diaspora in Development Online Forum for Global Diaspora Week

2013

ICS Selected for Diasporas for Development Program by USAID, CUSO and ACCENTURE ICS President Requested to Speak to CARICOM Diplomatic Corps in Cuba

2012

ICS launches Caribbean Sea Futures Initiative ICS President named White House Champion of Change ICS featured on Africa Channel Program on Caribbean American Heritage Month

2011

ICS organizes Briefing of Prime Minister of Aruba on Capitol Hill ICS participates in World Summit of African Diaspora Youth in Costa Rica

2010

Grand Marshall, West Indian Labor Day Carnival Parade, New York Meeting with Secretary Gary Locke, US Department of Commerce on Census 2010

2009

National Profile Partner, Census 2010 Commendation by various Members of Congress in the Congressional Record Congressional Caribbean Caucus Quarterly Breakfast Series

2008

Familiarization Trip and Conference Panelist, Tanzania, Sullivan Summit on Africa

2007

Familiarization Trip to China, China Friendship Project Convenor, Caribbean Visions 2020: A Futures Dialogue

2006

Chair, Inaugural Commemoration of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month Lead Advocate & Chair, Committee for White House Briefing & Reception

2005

Chair, Campaign for June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month Launch DC Caribbean Literary Festival Organize ‘WomanLEAD’ Leadership and Empowerment Training Program, Jamaica Commendation by Congressman Rangel in the Congressional Record

Selected Accomplishments...continued The Institute's activities include workshops, seminars, symposia, and conferences.

A selected listing of our exemplary accomplishments includes:

2004 2003

Help Draft House Resolution 570 to declare National Caribbean American Heritage Month Chair, Campaign for June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month

2002

Arts Empowerment Summer Camp, Operation Restoration, Kingston, Jamaica CBC Friends of the Caribbean Appreciation Lunch, with Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis Moderate Congressional Black Caucus Caribbean Brain Trust

2001

Organize Public Briefings of CARICOM Secretary General in Washington DC Production of 30 second Television PSA in support of the UNWCAR Launch First Annual DC Caribbean Film Festival Moderate Caribbean Brain Trust at the CBC Annual Conference Spearhead Promotion of June as Caribbean American Heritage Month in Washington D.C. Caribbean American Business Leadership Dialogue, International Monetary Fund

2000

Caribbean-American Business Leaders Dialogue, World Bank with Minister Mia Mottley, Barbados Participation in Bellagio Consultation on UN World Conference Against Racism (UNWCAR) Spearhead Promotion of June as Caribbean American Heritage Month in Washington DC

1999

Launch Caribbean American Business Leaders Dialogue Launch first US/Caribbean Legislative Forum, Capitol Hill Launch request for Caribbean American Heritage Month to President Clinton and Rep. Christensen Lead Advocate, first White House Briefing on Caribbean American Issues

1998

Organize Private Visit of Prime Minister of St. Lucia to Washington D.C. Health Sector Lunch Symposium with Ministers of Health

1997

Agribusiness Taskforce/Historically Black College & Universities Visit to Jamaica

1996

Participation in Caribbean Brain Trust at Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference Organize Educational Seminar for Chaconia Mutual Fund Organize Private Visit of Prime Minister of Barbados to Washington DC Video Documentary on the Caribbean community in Montgomery County, Maryland Represent Caribbean Diaspora at CARICOM Heads of Government Conference

1995

Caribbean Pavilion at the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Legislative Conference

1994

Establish Caribbean American Heritage Awards (CARAH) Gala Symposium on Caribbean Economic Development with Caribbean Ministers of Finance Launch CARICOM DAY Celebrations in June

1993

Young Technocrats Science Camp in Kingston, Jamaica

Caribbean American Leadership Dialogue with Minister of State, Hon. Floyd Morris, Jamaica

The INVEST CARIBBEAN AGRIBUSINESS FORUM & CARAH AWARDS Gala would not be successful without the support of various individuals and organizations.

We wish them heartfelt thanks.

GALA PATRONS H.E. Paul Altidor, Haiti H.E. Dr. Riyad Insanally, Guyana H.E. Audrey Marks, Jamaica H.E. Thelma Phillip-Browne, St. Kitts and Nevis H.E. Anthony Phillips-Spencer, Trinidad & Tobago H.E. Xavier Prens, Curacao H.E. Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda HONORARY GALA COMMITTEE CONGRESSIONAL MEMBERS Chairs Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett Co-Chairs Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Congresswoman Barbara Lee Congressman Bobby Scott Members Hon. Veronica Airey-Wilson Hon. Neil Albert Hon. Jean Augustine Anya Ayoung Chee Dr. Joseph Baptiste John Blake Roger Bobb Randy Chin Dr. Frank Douglas Beverley East Dr. Julius Garvey Hazelle Goodman Raymond Goulbourne Dr. Guy Harvey Vincent HoSang Dr. Norge Jerome Neil Jones Carol Maraj Vonulrick Martin Nekisha Mohan Dr. Rudolph ‘Rudy’ Moise Hon. Shirley Nathan Pulliam Dr. Elizabeth Nunez Egbert Perry Larry Quinlan Errol Service Aubrey Stephenson Dr. Solanges Vivens Kim Watson George Willie

GALA HOST COMMITTEE Chair Maureen Bunyan Members Yasmin Anderson-Smith Michael Campbell Gabriel Christian, Esq. Dolores Blakeney Collins Donnette Cooper, Esq. Carson ‘Eddy’ Edwards Chris Gardiner Rosemary Harvey Beulah Holder Lewis Audrey Hutchinson Synda Jennifer Jones Finiana Joseph Lorna Kirlew Wesley Kirton Berthie Labissiere, D.P.M. Deborah ‘Deb’ Lara Jason Martin Horace McCormack Patricia Mitchell Herbert Nelson, Jr. Yaa Gyasi ‘Peppy’ Parkes Tyrone Peters Clive ‘Tony’ Powell Ravi Ramkessoon Loughton Sargeant Larry Sindass Eric Walcott Jean Welsh, M.D. Michael Yates FRIENDS OF ICS Maureen BunyanJoyce Cacho Yvonne Clarke Ronald Daniels CONFERENCE/GALA VOLUNTEERS Angela Atkins Maxine Barnett Shelly Cameron Camille Clennon Hilmey Dolores Collins Chris Daley Kimani Daley Akera Franklyn Charmaine Gravesandy Erikka HamerChantelle Haynes Beulah Holder-Lewis Noah-Harmony Harley Rosemarie Harvey Nicole Lewis Jazmyne Lomax Jennifer Mitchell

Patricia Mitchell Doreen Nelson Herbert Nelson Jnr. Gina Ortela Tija Passley Corrin RobinsonKarelle Samuda Kerriann Simpson Dera Tompkins Daniel Whyte Melissa Williams CORPORATE SPONSORS PATRON Bert Smith & Company Gilead Sciences, Inc. SUPPORTER GoodWorks International, LLC DONATIONS/SILENT AUCTION Color Me Mine of Silver Spring Crown Bakery Dr. Carol Jagdeo Dr. Claire Nelson E-One Timepieces Hyatt Regency, Washington, DC Ites International Michael Thompson KYMS Image International, LLC Strokes and Slants The Travel Boutique Zawadi, Inc. PRODUCTION SERVICES Andy G, Destiny Sound, After Glow DJ Daniels Dzyn, Graphic Designer Boom Audio Services, Audio Visual Services Karema Daley, Event Management Donovan Fairweather, Awards Eagle Design Printing & Promotional, Inc., Printing The Image Band, Gala Entertainment PANLARA, Pre-Gala Entertainment Monique McSween, Honoree Interviews Quality, Engraving & Design, Inc., Awards Larry Sindass, CaribNation TV, Videography Dawn Spencer of Patches Décor, Table Arrangements

ABOUT THE CARAH AWARDS NOMINATION PROCESS The Caribbean American Heritage (CARAH) Awards are presented to individuals whose body of work represents excellence in their chosen field, and whose body of work also has impacted on the USA or the world at large.

Their work should be nationally recognized in their own field, with significant ‘coverage’ in their own professional community. The Awards conceived in 1994 include the following Categories and Honors:

1) Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement (to someone usually over 60 years old whose work embodies the principles of Rt. Excellent Hon. Marcus Garvey).

2) Luminary (someone whose body of work has provided ‘light’ to a broad global community, larger than life impact).

3) Trailblazer (someone who has been out front of an issue or in a career and left a trail for others to follow).

4) Outstanding Entrepreneur (someone who has excelled as an Entrepreneur) including “Visioneur” (someone under age 30) 5) Vanguard (someone under 40 in any field, who is emerging as a leader) 6) Excellence in Science & Technology including: Education, Medicine, HealthCare, Public Health (someone who has been recognized by his or her peers in their field, holds patents or leadership office in national or international professional organization) 7) Excellence in the “ARTS” including: Soca music /Reggae music Excellence in Literature Excellence in Sports Excellence in Film, Theater or Dance Excellence in Journalism (Someone known nationally or internationally known figure in any one of the disciplines listed. Should have been nominated for national or international award in their field.)

8) Outstanding Service --Community, Public, Political including: Outstanding Public Service Outstanding Community Service Outstanding Social Entrepreneurship Outstanding Political Leadership 9) Forerunner – (someone who has an unusual uncommon achievement which may or may not ever be achieved again, and whose body of work has national, international or historic significance of public interest).

10) Friend of the Caribbean (given to someone NOT of Caribbean Heritage whose body of work has been of support to the Caribbean peoples) 11) Outstanding Contributions to Corporate America ( someone in the C-Suite in a Fortune 1000 Company) 12) Outstanding Corporate Citizenship (Company US or Caribbean doing business in a way that impacts Caribbean peoples at home and/or abroad) ** All honorees (except for Friend of the Caribbean) must be born in the Caribbean or of demonstrable Caribbean Heritage (parents or grandparents). ** ABOUT THE CORPORATE CITIZEN AWARD This is a new category. The Corporate Citizenship Award honors a corporation for their contributions (money and time) to the Caribbean American community. It is presented to a company that demonstrates a strong commitment to corporate responsibility practices and whose leaders are actively engaged in supporting and expanding those efforts. This Award aligns with ICS's emerging work in promoting sustainable capitalism, specifically our initiative for greater corporate engagement in environmental and social issues.

NOMINATIONS The Nomination of the Honorees are made by Members of the Awards Gala Host Committee comprising individuals self-selected and willing to identify, secure participation and support of the nominee and fans of the nominee for the Gala. Final decision is based on combination of factors such as diversity of nationality, gender, and area of endeavor. The CARAH Awards are taped and aired on CARIBVISION TV as a two hour special. With that in mind, the following issues must also be considered. Number of honorees is limited to 8 (9 under special circumstances). Other considerations of the committee are: a) political Issues relevant to region in given year; and b) Media-affinity of Honorees.

INVEST CARIBBEAN AGRIBUSINESS FORUM Harvesting the Agriculture Value Chain

2016

The 18th Annual Caribbean American Business Dialogue NOVEMBER 17-18, 2016

The Invest Caribbean Business Dialogue explores emerging trade and investment opportunities in the Caribbean and discusses challenges to creating sustainable and profitable partnerships along all segments of the value chain. The Conference brings together program managers, policy makers, scholars, and members of the private sector to engage in an open and frank exchange related to optimizing sustainable profits. The program includes an overview of the current policy environment for the agribusiness sector and explores issues such as the implications of food safety regulations and workforce needs.

Held in roundtable dialogue format, conference discussion also includes conversations on emerging business and trade opportunities across the entire agribusiness sector in the region. This ranges from niche market foods, to fisheries (aquaculture & mariculture), biofuel (renewable energy), to agro-forestry and farmaceuticals (biotechnology based on herbs and wellness products including medical marijuana). The Dialogue also provides a platform to discuss investing challenges in the region, with a focus on small businesses.

THEMES

INVITED SPEAKERS/PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE:

• US Caribbean Trade & Investment Prognosis • Unleashing the Opportunities: Rising Challanges and Influences • Stories From The Field • Climate Change: Issues and Options • Engaging the Financial Sector • Research Development Education and Workforce Development

• • • •

“The networking opportunities at the dialogue at the Invest Caribbean – the Annual Caribbean American Leadership Dialogue were tremendous. The Meeting on Capitol Hill provided insight on how the region may better advance its interest.

Barton Clarke, CARDI

• • • • • •

CARDI Caribbean Embassies Inter-American Development Bank Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture JAMPRO Organization of American States Overseas Private Investment Corporation Medgar Evers College Delaware State University University of the District of Colombia

• University of Guyana • University of the Virgin Islands • University of Maryland Eastern Shore • • • • • • •

World Bank US Ex-IM Bank US Agency for International Development US Department of Agriculture Specialty Foods Association Natural Products Association Vote HEMP

Caribbean American Heritage Month: 30 Under 30 ChangeMaker Honors FROM THE DESK OF PROGRAM CO-CHAIRS

Paula Lowers & Marissa Williams ‘Ensuring a healthy future means investing in the generation who will carry that future’ --- Mal Fletcher It is from this simple but powerful idea that the 30 Under 30 Emerging Leaders Awards was born. This initiative was spearheaded by the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) as part of the commemorative activities for Caribbean American Heritage Month. Under the guidance of Dr. Claire Nelson; we took on the task of leading this program designed to honor the hard work of young community leaders of Caribbean and Caribbean American heritage who are actively investing in the future of their societies – both in the US and the Caribbean.

The most rewarding of this experience was learning about all the innovative ideas that these young leaders have created to positively impact the US and the Caribbean in the fields of Academia, Business Enterprise, Activism or Community Leadership. It was an uplifting feeling to review the nominations from all around the Caribbean as well as in the US who included champions for farming initiatives, business owners, environmentalists, a film maker and other upcoming leaders in the fields of arts and culture --- and the list goes on.

After a rigorous selection process, the thirty finalists were chosen and invited to the awards ceremony, which took place on June 24th at the Inter-American Development Bank.

Being the first year, the process was not without its challenges, such as building a strong support team and securing sponsorship, which came in the form of a title sponsorship from Tower Isles Frozen Foods just in the nick of time. Looking ahead to 2017, we are excited to honor another batch of promising young leaders as we continue to build on this great initiative and a bright future for the Caribbean.

THE JUDGES PERSPECTIVE

Memories of the Process! The Decision! The Excitement! The Experience!

A goal begins with a dream! The celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month (CAHM) in June 2016 not only encapsulated the customary CAHM events and recognition from Congress to the White House but also welcomed the realization of many dreams for Caribbean American Millennials.

The dream of Visionary, Dr. Claire Nelson, Founder of ICS became a reality when she orchestrated a team of judges to recognize the contribution of our young stalwarts — Caribbean American Millennials. The excitement was evident as Nominees came from far and wide.

The process kicked off with the announcement of Request for Nominees throughout the USA and the Caribbean. There was an overwhelming response as applications poured in. The panel of judges included: Paula Lower-Fraser, Co-Chair Marissa Williams, Co-Chair Dr. Shelly Cameron, Author/ Leadership Consultant Maxine Barnett, Organizational Development/Protocol Consultant Ja’Nice Wisdom, Executive Director, Read Across Jamaica The team spent weeks working closely to select the most outstanding nominees using the criteria which included outstanding academic performance, leadership, entrepreneurship, professional success, and overcoming personal challenges. The many applications had to be narrowed down to 30, certainly a difficult task, given the high caliber of the young millenials. This was achieved through lengthy discussions.

On June 24th, the finalists converged on Washington DC, at the Awards Breakfast under the patronage of Miss Jamaica World 2013, Gina Hargitay. The atmosphere was palpable as one could feel the excitement as the spirit of the young entrepreneurs, their skills; talents and passion were ignited at the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington DC. The feature speaker, Mr. Jerry Butler, Alternate Executive Director of the IDB with responsibility for the Caribbean, also presented the young entrepreneurs with their awards. In the midst of it all, a synergistic fire was lit, empowered through the spirit of social media as Caribbean American Millennials, shared their projects demonstrating the difference they were making in their respective communities and in some instances around the globe.

Family, friends, attendees and well-wishers were filled with amazing inspiration as there was a general consensus that the future is in good hands. Other elements of the 30 Under 30 Honors include: Coaching Sessions offered by Dr. Claire Nelson, Dr. Nsombi Jaja, Dr. Shelly Cameron and other distinguished coaches and mentors. The stage is already being set to recognize the leadership, academic performance and entrepreneurial acumen of the 2017 Caribbean American 30 Under 30 Nominees.

CARAH HONOREE 2008 MEMORIALIZED IN THE HON. BERYL LEVI VISIONEUR AWARDS….

The 30 Under 30 Honors for Caribbean American Change Makers were sponsored by Tower Isles Frozen Foods based in Brooklyn, New York. The company, best known for its tasty Jamaican style beef patties, took the opportunity of the 30 Under 30 Honors to launch their efforts to memorialize the work and contributions of the late Hon. Beryl Levi, O.D., the company founder and CARAH Honoree 2008. The Cash Awards totaling US$1,000 were named the Hon. Beryl Levi Visioneur Awards, in honor of the life and legacy of the woman who revolutionized the fast food industry in New York and the USDA with the introduction of the Jamaican beef patty. Winners were Alpha Sennon for his project Agri-Man – an educational tool to teach children about farming and agri-business; and Danielle Washington for her NGO, The Big Blue & You, which focuses on teaching children about the sea. Tower Isles Frozen Foods cites the significance of a Youth Leadership Awards during the National Caribbean American Heritage Month as key reason for signing on as Title Sponsor for the event.

ABOUT THE CARAH AWARDS NOMINATION PROCESS The Caribbean American Heritage (CARAH) Awards are presented to individuals whose body of work represents excellence in their chosen field, and whose body of work also has impacted on the USA or the world at large. Their work should be nationally recognized in their own field, with significant ‘coverage’ in their own professional community. The Awards conceived in 1994 include the following Categories and Honors: 1) Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement (to someone usually over 60 years old whose work embodies the principles of Rt. Excellent Hon. Marcus Garvey).

2) Luminary (someone whose body of work has provided ‘light’ to a broad global community, larger than life impact).

3) Trailblazer (someone who has been out front of an issue or in a career and left a trail for others to follow).

4) Outstanding Entrepreneur (someone who has excelled as an Entrepreneur) including “Visioneur” (someone under age 30) 5) Vanguard (someone under 40 in any field, who is emerging as a leader) 6) Excellence in Science & Technology including: Education, Medicine, HealthCare, Public Health (someone who has been recognized by his or her peers in their field, holds patents or leadership office in national or international professional organization) 7) Excellence in the “ARTS” including: Soca music /Reggae music Excellence in Literature Excellence in Sports Excellence in Film, Theater or Dance Excellence in Journalism (Someone known nationally or internationally known figure in any one of the disciplines listed. Should have been nominated for national or international award in their field.)

8) Outstanding Service --Community, Public, Political including: Outstanding Public Service Outstanding Community Service Outstanding Social Entrepreneurship Outstanding Political Leadership 9) Forerunner – (someone who has an unusual uncommon achievement which may or may not ever be achieved again, and whose body of work has national, international or historic significance of public interest).

10) Friend of the Caribbean (given to someone NOT of Caribbean Heritage whose body of work has been of support to the Caribbean peoples) 11) Outstanding Contributions to Corporate America ( someone in the C-Suite in a Fortune 1000 Company) 12) Outstanding Corporate Citizenship (Company US or Caribbean doing business in a way that impacts Caribbean peoples at home and/or abroad) ** All honorees (except for Friend of the Caribbean) must be born in the Caribbean or of demonstrable Caribbean Heritage (parents or grandparents). ** ABOUT THE CORPORATE CITIZEN AWARD This is a new category. The Corporate Citizenship Award honors a corporation for their contributions (money and time) to the Caribbean American community. It is presented to a company that demonstrates a strong commitment to corporate responsibility practices and whose leaders are actively engaged in supporting and expanding those efforts. This Award aligns with ICS's emerging work in promoting sustainable capitalism, specifically our initiative for greater corporate engagement in environmental and social issues.

NOMINATIONS The Nomination of the Honorees are made by Members of the Awards Gala Host Committee comprising individuals self-selected and willing to identify, secure participation and support of the nominee and fans of the nominee for the Gala. Final decision is based on combination of factors such as diversity of nationality, gender, and area of endeavor. The CARAH Awards are taped and aired on CARIBVISION TV as a two hour special. With that in mind, the following issues must also be considered. Number of honorees is limited to 8 (9 under special circumstances). Other considerations of the committee are: a) political Issues relevant to region in given year; and b) Media-affinity of Honorees.

IGNITE CARIBBEAN amplifies the voices of youth leaders by bringing their ideas to the forefront of discussions about the Future of the Caribbean. An initiative of the Institute of Caribbean Studies, IGNITE CARIBBEAN features seminars, workshops, and online presentation forums. The Farm the Future series allows youth interested in agriculture to present innovative ideas on farming and the future of agriculture to help spark new conversations and collaborations. This is critical given the prospects for job creation in the Caribbean through leveraging agricultural capital. IGNITE CARIBBEAN: FARM THE FUTURE engages youth so as to help de-stigmatize agriculture as a career choice, and help to improve the viability of agriculture as a pathway to success.

IGNITE CARIBBEAN will help develop innovative solutions for issues, and advocate for organizations working in this sector to implement. Youth and young professionals under the age of 35 are invited to participate in the initiative. Currently calls for participation are issued twice a year – in March for June and in August for November. In June 2016, an Ignite Caribbean Forum was a feature of the 30 Under 30 Honors at the Inter-American Development Bank. This Ignite Caribbean: Design the Future included innovations in the area of social and economic enterprise across a variety of segments. Plans are underway for Ignite Caribbean partnership with regional youth organizations such as Caribbean Maritime Institute and Caribbean Youth Environment Network to create forum for young academics through a publication series, “Caribbean Futures 2030: Let All Ideas Contend”.

If interested in serving as a member of the Ignite Caribbean Project Team, please send an email to icsdcorg@gmail.com.

Gina Hargitay, Miss Jamaica World and Miss World Caribbean 2013, has been appointed IGNITE CARIBBEAN Ambassador.

23 Years Down Memory Lane

1994 1995

Hon. Una Clarke, Outstanding Community Service Kojo Nnamdi, Excellence in Journalism US Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY), Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Hon. Kweisi Mfume, Keynote Speaker & Outstanding Political Leadership Maureen Bunyan, Excellence in Journalism Bertram Fraser-Reid, Ph.D., Excellence in Science Ivan Sertima, Ph.D., Outstanding Community Service Geoffrey Holder, Excellence in the Arts Earl Graves, Jr., Keynote Speaker & Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement

G.E. Morris Husbands, Ph.D., Excellence in Science Augusta Souza Kappner, Ph.D., Outstanding Contribution in Education Bert N. Mitchell, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Dalton A. Tong, Outstanding Contribution to Healthcare Hon. C. Delores Tucker, Outstanding Community Service US Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Outstanding Political Leadership Prime Minister Owen Arthur of Barbados, Keynote Speaker

1996

Hon. Dame Eugenia Charles, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Deputy US Attorney General, Eric Holder, Jr., Outstanding Public Service CCH Pounder, Excellence in the Arts Randall Robinson, Outstanding Community Service US Congressman Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Outstanding Political Leadership Ralph O. Williams, Outstanding Contribution in Healthcare

1997

Farley Cleghorne, M.D., Excellence in Medicine Hon. Veronica Airey-Wilson, Outstanding Community Service Lowell Hawthorne, Outstanding Entrepreneurship Edwidge Danticat, Excellence in the Arts Niara Sudarkasa, Ph.D., Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement US Congressman Albert Wynn (d-MD), Outstanding Political Leadership Prime Minister Kenny Anthony of St. Lucia, Keynote Speaker

1998

Hon. Christopher R. Thomas, Excellence in Diplomacy Winston Clive-Victor Parris, M.D., Excellence in Medicine Patricia Isaacs-Green, Outstanding Entrepreneurship Hon. Wilma Lewis, Excellence in Public Service Walt W. Braithwaite, Outstanding Contributions in Corporate America Ernest ‘Ernie’ Ranglin, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement

1999

Irving Burgie, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Grace Cornish, Ph.D., Outstanding Community Service Velma Scantlebury, M.D., Excellence in Medicine Dumas Simeus, Outstanding Entrepreneurship Curtis N. Symonds, Outstanding Contribution to Corporate America Neil Jones, Excellence in Science and Technology Jair Lynch, Excellence in Sports

2000

23 Years Down Memory Lane Marva Allen, Outstanding Community Service Hon. Dr. Slinger ‘The Mighty Sparrow’ Francisco, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Ann Rubena Guscott, Spirit of the Caribbean Centenary Award US Congressman Major Owens, Outstanding Political Leadership Don Rojas, Excellence in Journalism C. Sherman Severin, Ph.D., Excellence in Science and Technology Yolanda Simmons, Outstanding Contribution to Healthcare Aubrey Stephenson, Outstanding Entrepreneurship

2001

Hon. Diane Abbott, M.P. Great Britain, Trailblazer US Congressman John Conyers, Outstanding Political Leadership Jocelyn Dow, Outstanding Contribution to International Development Norge Jerome, Ph.D., Excellence in Education Elliott ‘Ellie’ Mannette, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Von Martin, Excellence in Journalism Robert Rashford, Excellence in Science and Technology Errol Service, Outstanding Entrepreneurship

2002

Sir George Alleyne, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Hon. Jean Augustine, Trailblazer Carole ‘Sister Carole” East, Outstanding Contribution to Reggae Music Dawnn Lewis, Excellence in the Arts Elizabeth Nunez, Ph.D., Outstanding Contribution to Literature Jeffrey Thompson, Outstanding Entrepreneurship Ronald Williams, Ph.D., Excellence in Education Hon. Andrew Young, Outstanding Public Service

2003

Sydney F.C. Barnwell, M.D., Outstanding Contribution to Healthcare James ‘Jimmy Cliff’ Chambers, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Chris and Randy Chin, Outstanding Entrepreneurship US Congresswoman Donna Christensen, Outstanding Political Leadership Hon. Angela King, Excellence in Diplomacy Caryl Phillips, Excellence in Literature Ernesta Procope, Trailblazer Rene John Sandy, Excellence in Journalism Cicely Tyson, Luminary Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell of Grenada, Keynote Speaker Wendy Fitzwilliam, Miss Universe 1998, Host

2004

Edward Braithwaite, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Alphonsus ‘Arrow’ Cassell, Trailblazer Emmanuel and Jean Cherubin, Outstanding Community Service Vincent HoSang, Outstanding Entrepreneurship George Hulse, Outstanding Corporate Leadership Nekisha Mohan, Excellence in Journalism Richard ‘Richie’ Richardson, Excellence in Sports Thelma Thompson, Ph.D., Excellence in Education Hon. Dr. Michael Misick, Premier of Turks & Caicos, Keynote Speaker

2005

23 Years Down Memory Lane Justice Sylvia Hinds-Radix, Excellence in Public Service US Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Outstanding Political Leadership Ambassador Carlton Masters, Outstanding Entrepreneurship Tracy Neale, Excellence in Journalism McCartha Linda ‘Calypso Rose’ Sandy-Lewis, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Sir Allen Stanford, Outstanding Corporate Citizen Susan Taylor, Trailblazer Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas of St. Kitts & Nevis, Keynote Speaker

2006

Frank Ross, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Dr. Muriel Petioni, Forerunner Raymond Goulbourne, Outstanding Contribution to Corporate America John Blake, Excellence in Media Maria Kong, Outstanding Community Service Cardinal Warde, Ph.D., Excellence in Science and Technology Dr. Solanges Vivens, Outstanding Entrepreneurship George C. Fraser, Trailblazer Frederick ‘Toots’ Hibbert, Luminary

2007

Hon. Beryl Levi, O.D., Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Andrew Ballen, Vanguard in Entrepreneurship Hon. Neil O. Albert, Outstanding Public Service Ato Boldon, Excellence in Sports Garth Graham, M.D., M.P.H., Outstanding Contribution to Public Health Hon. Marcia Griffith, O.D., Luminary Dr. Cato Laurencin, Excellence in Science and Technology Karl B. Rodney and Faye A. Rodney, Outstanding Community Service Hon. Helen Marshall, Outstanding Political Leadership Egbert L.J. Perry, Outstanding Entrepreneurship

2008

Hon. Shirley Nathan-Pulliam, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Willard Wigan, M.B.E., Luminary George Willie, Outstanding Entrepreneurship Hon. Usain Bolt, O.D., Vanguard in Sports Alison Hinds, Outstanding Contribution to Soca Music Lynton G. Scotland, Outstanding Contribution to Corporate America

2009

Hon. Rita Marley, O.D., Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Joy Stephenson, Trailblazer Dr. Roy A. Hastick, Outstanding Community Service Joseph Baptiste, D.D.S., Outstanding Social Entrepreneurship K. David Boyer, Outstanding Contribution to Corporate America Wayne Frederick, M.D., Vanguard in Medicine Hon. Marie St. Fleur, Outstanding Political Leadership Sir Edward Cheung, Ph.D., Excellence in Science and Technology Michael Blake, Deputy Director, White House Office of Public Engagement, Special Guest Speaker

2010

23 Years Down Memory Lane Rev. Dr. Neville Callam, Luminary Maryse Conde, Excellence in Literature Frank Douglas, M.D., Ph.D., Outstanding Entrepreneurship Garth Fagan, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Hazelle, Goodman, Excellence in the Arts Arlie Petters, Ph.D., Excellence in Science and Technology Larry Quinlan, Outstanding Contribution to Corporate America Janet Rollé, Trailblazer

2011

Montgomery ‘Monty’ Alexander, C.D., Luminary Anya Ayoung Chee, Vanguard in the Arts William ‘Bunny Rugs’ Clarke, Outstanding Contribution to Reggae Music Robert Greenidge, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Shaka Hislop, Excellence in Sports Constance White, Excellence in Journalism Dean Garfield, Outstanding Contribution to Corporate America Andy Ingraham, Trailblazer Colin Channer, Excellence in Literature

2012

Leanna Archer, Visioneur Etienne Charles, Trailblazer Dr. Guy Harvey, Luminary Jimmy Jean-Louis, Excellence in the Arts Frederick ‘Freddie’ McGregor, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Shala Monroque, Vanguard Dr. Deborah Persaud, Outstanding Contribution to Medicine Dr. Camille Wardrop Alleyne, Excellence in Science and Technology Kim Watson, Outstanding Community Service

2013

Gowton Achaibar, Outstanding Contribution to Corporate America Roger Bobb, Trailblazer Robert France, Ph.D., Excellence in Science and Technology Jeff Haynes, Excellence in the Arts Carol Maraj, Forerunner Rudolph Moise, D.O., M.B.A., J.D., Outstanding Entrepreneurship Mortimer Neufville, Ph.D., Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Major General Vincent R. Stewart, Outstanding Public Service

2014

Beverley East, Forerunner Max ‘Maxi Priest’ Elliott, Outstanding Contribution to Reggae Music Gordon Henderson, Trailblazer Barbara A. Hutchinson, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.C., Excellence in Medicine Lt. Col. Shawna Rochelle Kimbrell, Vanguard Magdalah Racine-Silva, Outstanding Entrepreneurship Miguel Southwell, Outstanding Public Service Michael Thompson, Outstanding Community Service

2015

About LifeSEED INITIATIVE Strategic Vision LifeSEED (Life Skills Empowerment and Entrepreneurial Development) is a program developed by the Institute of Caribbean Studies to empower the unemployed and under-employed youth and women of the Caribbean. The program will provide opportunities and resources that will enable them to develop economically profitable and sustainable micro-enterprises and cooperatives.

LifeSEED goal is to engage a minimum of 300 individuals over the next three years, beginning in Jamaica and Guyana. Two tracks of operations are envisaged as follows: 1) Youth under 35 and 2) Women’s Cooperatives.

LifeSEED will establish partnerships with entities in each country, which shall have day-to-day responsibility for execution of the Program. Relationships with other processing and marketing operators, as well as micro-finance organizations will assist in the development of self-sustaining social enterprises.

Program Description

LifeSEED programs as currently envisaged will focus solely on products and services with export potential. Products under consideration for the 2017-2018 pilots are: Ornamental Tropical Fish, Honey, Herbs/Spices e.g. Sorrel, Moringa, Fever Grass, Peppers and Ginger. Services under consideration are Computer Training in Social Media, Graphic Animation, and Container and Greenhouse Farming.

Each program will include life skills and empowerment workshops, entrepreneurial training, and technical training for products and skills under consideration. Participants undergoing the training will receive locally accredited certification. Participants once graduated will then become members of the LifeSEED Entrepreneur Network, which will be established to promote continuing counseling and networking for business development.

LifeSEED will succeed by partnering up with educational and community organizations; by providing seed or working capital grants, loans and/or guarantees through partnerships with microfinance organizations; and by developing partnerships and relationships with existing entrepreneurs and technical experts in the Diaspora. Diaspora volunteers will be asked to serve as advisors, mentors, investors or trustees.

Current Partners include Operation Restoration, Trench Town, Jamaica. Plans are underway to expand to Caribbean Maritime Institute Initiative also in Trench Town, as well as in West Ruimveldt, Guyana, through partnership with diaspora investor Global Seafood Distributors. For more information on how you can serve, please contact us icsdcorg@gmail.com or (202) 638-0460.

HONORARY ADVISORY BOARD Sir George Alleyne M.D., Chancellor, University of the West Indies Joseph Baptiste, Chair, National Organization for the Advancement of Haitians Ralph Bazilio, CEO, Bazilio Cobb, LLC Maureen Bunyan, Journalist Hon. Donna Christensen, Former USVI Representative George Dalley, Esq. Chris Gardiner, CEO, GKA, P.C. H. Stephen Halloway, Former US Director, United Nations Industrial Development Organization Hon Shirley Nathan Pulliam, Member, Maryland House of Delegates W. Anthony Taitt, Managing Director, Bonwick Capital, LLC Kim Watson, KMW Public Relations Walker Williams, President, Leadership Africa, Washington DC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ambassador Carlton A. Masters, Chairman Claire Nelson, Ph.D., Founder & President Oscar Spencer, Vice-President Ian Edwards Ivonne Fuller, M.P.H.Nsombi Jaja, D.B.A. Alland LeandreSonya Lewis Ph.D. David Mullings Jennifer Norfolk Norma Toussaint Roxanne Valies Jeffrey Whitney, Esq.

PROGRAM BOARD

Yasmin Anderson Smith, Education & Health Maxine Barnett, Outreach Shelley Cameron, Ph.D., Sociology & Culture Dolores Collins, Sociology & Culture Chris Daley, Trade & Economic Development Karema Daley, Director, Operations Omyma David, Outreach Charmaine Gravesandy, Trade & Economic Development Maxine Harris, Trade & Economic Development Beulah Holder-Lewis, Outreach Shanza Lewis, Sociology & Culture Paula Lockhart Ph.D., Trade & Economic Development Paula Lowers-Fraser, CAHM Patricia Mitchell, Outreach Herbert Nelson, Jr., LifeSEED Dennis Ramdahin, Trade & Economic Development Karelle Samuda, Chair, Next Generation Initiatives Loughton Sargeant, Sociology & Culture Yvette Sterling, Esq., Sociology & Culture Jean Welsh, M.D., Education & Health Marissa Williams, CAHM

PROGRAM BOARD – Regional Representatives

Patrick Beckford, Northern New Jersey Jerry Castro-Cayetano, Las Vegas, NV Faith Clarke, Tallahassee, FL Robert Cumberbatch, Phoenix, AZ Olive Ezell, Hampton, VA Marva Herman, Southern California Francis Joseph, Tampa, FL Marlin Kirby, Chicago, IL Marilyn LaForce, New Orleans, LA Ronald Lammy, Boston, MA Donovan Longmore, Hartford, CT Courtney McFarlane, Atlanta, GA Aubry Padmore, New York City Valrie Sanders, Atlanta, GA Ja’Nice Wisdom, Sacramento, CA

PROGRAM ASSOCIATES

Lester Facey, Ph.D., Environment & Climate Change Chantelle Haynes, Next Generation Initiatives Noah-Harmony Harley-Shoatz, LifeSEED Nicole Maywah, Environment & Climate Change Doreen Nelson, Communications Melissa Williams, Communications

PROGRAM INTERNS

Akera Franklyn, Communications Jazmyne Lomax, Communications Tija Passley, Communications

PRIVATE SECTOR ADVISORY COUNCIL Wesley Kirton, Co-Chair Anton Edmunds Ainsley GillRoy Hastick Jason MartinRuthven Phillips

RESEARCH ADVISORY COUNCIL

Carole Boyce Davies, Ph.D., Cornell University Joyce Cacho, Ph.D.Farley Cleghorn, M.D. Carolyn Cooper Ph.D., University of the West Indies Wesley Hughes Ph.D., PetroCaribe Development Fund Chanzo Osei Greenidge, Ph.D. Ivelaw Griffith Ph.D. J.A. George Irish, Ph.D., Medgar Evers College, CUNY Elizabeth Nunez, Ph.D., Hunter College, CUNY Ian Smart, Ph.D., Howard University Waldaba Stewart, Ph.D., Caribbean Research Center, Medgar Evers College, CUNY Joseph Whittaker, Ph.D., Morgan State University

ELECTED OFFICIALS ADVISORY COUNCIL Hon. Shirley Nathan-Pulliam, MD, Mid-Atlantic Hon. Urania Petit, CT, North East Hon. Hazelle Rogers, FL, South East

FAITH-BASED LEADERS ADVISORY COUNCIL Rev. Leslie Watson Malachi, Honorary Co-Chair Rev. Noel Godfrey Bishop Dr. Ebony Kirkland

Commitment to

Community Institute of Caribbean Studies tel: (202) 638-0460 www.icsdc.org www.caribbeanamericanmonth.org www.caribbeanheritageawards.org email:ics@icsdc.org