WASHINGTON, DC – Don’t miss your chance to be part of history at the official state society U.S. Virgin Islands Inaugural Ball, a celebration of America’s Caribbean community in tribute to President Barack Obama on January 20, 2009 at the Hall of the Americas of the Organization of the American States (OAS) (17th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington D.C.).
This Inaugural Ball will feature guest appearances by Trinidad’s own legendary Calypso King of the World – Mighty Sparrow, Jamaica’s popular Reggae crooner – Cocoa Tea and Compas (or Kompa) Ambassador’s – Tabou Combo from Haiti.
Secretary of State designate Hilary Clinton, Congresswoman Donna Christensen, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke are among the political elite scheduled to make guest appearances; Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to mix, mingle and celebrate history with some of the most outstanding and influential Caribbean/Caribbean-American leaders.
Prepared to “shake things up” Tabou Combo will present a fiery mix of Kompa and Zouk while the Mighty Sparrow and Cocoa Tea perform classic hits like Jean and Dinah, Drunk and Disorderly, Doh’ Back Back, Good Life, She Loves Me Now, Yes We Can, as well as musical tributes to President Barack Obama entitled, Barack the Magnificent by Mighty Sparrow and Barack Obama by Cocoa Tea.
In addition to the all-star line-up, USVI-bred and D.C.’s own Soca powerhouse Image Band will also perform a variety of popular Caribbean favorites as part of this preeminent showcase of extraordinary Caribbean talent.
Providing the best opportunity for visible leadership of the Caribbean-American Community, this official USVI Inaugural Ball is co-chaired by Elizabeth Stanley Esq., Founder and President – The Virgin Islands Institute of Development (VIID); Claire A. Nelson PhD., Founder & President – Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS), Washington D.C., and Joseph Baptiste DDS, Chairman – The National Organization for the Advancement of
Haitians, Inc.(NOAH). Honorary Chairs include The Honorable John P. de Jongh, Jr. – Governor of the US Virgin Islands, Congresswoman Donna M. Christensen, M.D, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Delegate Shirley Nathan-Pulliam of Maryland, State Representative Marie St. Fleur of Massachusetts, State Representative Hazelle Rogers of Florida, and Assemblyman N. Nick Perry of New York.
Other Invited and Honorary guests include Patrick Gaspard (Haiti), Director-designate of the White House Office of Political Affairs, and Eric Holder (Barbados), Attorney General-designate of the United States.
Virgin Islands Institute of Development (VIID) – Headquartered in Washington, D.C., The Virgin Islands Institute of Development was formed as an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to education, analysis and research on policy issues of concern to the United States Virgin Islands community.
The Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) – is the leading Caribbean American organization in Washington D.C., and the architect and campaign chair for the recognition and commemoration of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. Established in 1993, ICS is a non-partisan, non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to policy analysis, education, advocacy and action on issues that impact Caribbean-Americans and the Caribbean region.
National Organization for the Advancement of Haitians (NOAH) – NOAH was founded in 1991 as a not-for-profit, social policy corporation, in response to the refugee crisis resulting from political unrest in Haiti. NOAH serves as a national, nonpartisan organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of democracy in Haiti.
Entertainment and media support provided by Brooklyn based Publicist Rhea Smith, (CEO & Founder) – FUNSATION4; production support provided by Gil Figaro (CEO) – Caribbean American Sunshine Awards.
Doors open promptly at 7:00pm. Get your ticket now! Shuttle service is available. For more information please visit www.viid.org.
