MIRAMAR – Scores of Caribbean nationals flocked to the Miramar Cultural Center, last night (June 18) to honor two distinguished Caribbean legends, Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott of St. Lucia and Professor Emeritus Rex Nettleford of Jamaica, at the first annual Caribbean American Heritage Commemorative Gala.
Under the distinguished patronage of the Caribbean Consular Corp, the event was to honor outstanding Caribbean nationals who have contributed to the development of the Region’s culture and heritage across the Diaspora.
Both were presented with the Caribbean American Book and Art Fair Heritage awards by Consuls General of St. Lucia, Mr. Kent Hippolyte and Mrs. Sandra Grant Griffiths of Jamaica, respectively.
Other awardees included Jamaica’s cultural ambassador, Mrs. Norma Darby of the Jamaica Folk Revue, and Belizean author, Ms. Zell Edgell.
Two awards – Caribbean Cultural Award and Caribbean Media award were presented posthumously to Mr. Selman Lewis (1948-2008) of Trinidad, and Mr. Clint O’Neil (1944-2004) of Jamaica.
Selman Lewis was founder of the Miami Carnival now celebrating its 25-year, and has been acclaimed one of the largest Caribbean celebrations in the USA.
Known as the reggae ambassador, Clint O’Neil was responsible for popularizing that genre of music on airwaves across the Diaspora while pioneering Caribbean broadcasting in South Florida.
Director of the Caribbean American Heritage Foundation, Glenn Joseph, in his welcome remarks said that the lives of American and Caribbean people have been intertwined for a long time. He continued that the acknowledgement of Caribbean people is also time to educate about the region’s rich heritage and culture.
Consul General Griffiths praised Nettleford as a “renaissance man.” Describing him as a visionary, she said that his wisdom and intellect had transcended Jamaica’s rich culture globally.
Commending the organizing committee, the Consul General said that this event signals an inclusive dawning of the coming together of our Caribbean nationals to celebrate our heritage and accomplishments as a region.
In honoring Mr. Walcott, Consul General Hippolyte congratulated him for his esteemed literary works. He also echoed sentiments of pride and recognition for the inaugural event.
Awardees at the Caribbean American Heritage Commemorative Gala last night (June 18) held at the Miramar Cultural Center. Professor Emeritus of Jamaica, Hon. Rex Nettleford, O.J.,(L) Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott of St. Lucia (R). Sharing in the moment was Jamaica’s Consul General Sandra Grant Griffiths (center).
The audience was entertained with a mix of traditional folk performances representing the range of rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean interspersed with its African tradition.
Among the guests were other members of the Caribbean Consular Corp representing Barbados, Bahamas and Belize, as well as United States public officials of Caribbean descent.
Florida State Representative, and Jamaican-born Hazelle Rogers told JIS News that she was proud to be able to embrace her heritage as she served in nationhood, here in public office in the USA. Last October, Mrs. Rogers was elected to the Florida State House of Representatives as the first Caribbean national representing the English-speaking Caribbean. Prior to her appointment, Rogers had served as Commissioner in the City Council of Lauderdale Lakes.
The weekend of activities will continue with a “Laureate Conversation” when both Walcott and Nettleford will share conversation about their experiences in the development of culture in the Caribbean.
A literary festival will also highlight the works of some 22 authors and artists from the Caribbean region.
The multicultural festival culminates with a concert of Caribbean performers headlined by the King of Calypso, the Mighty Sparrow. Several other featured entertainers will showcase their talent of dance and song.
The hosting committee of the Multicultural Festival includes the Caribbean American Heritage Foundation, the Jamaica Awareness, Florida African Studies Consortium, World Care, Incorporated, Riddims Marketing, Incorporated, Broward County Library Commission, the City Commission of Miramar and the Caribbean Art and Book Fair.
Since 2006, June was designated as Caribbean American Heritage Month by then President George W. Bush, in recognition of the role and contribution of Caribbean nationals in shaping the fabric of the nation, and also to pay tribute to the common culture and bonds of friendship uniting the United States and the Caribbean.
