Over 800 students expected to attend The Florida Caribbean Students Association 31st Bi-annual Conference

GAINESVILLE – The Florida Caribbean Students Association, Inc. will hold its 31st Bi-annual Conference on Friday, November 3 through Sunday, November 5, 2006 at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

The Caribbean Students Association at the University will host this semester’s conference themed: “Knowledge, Roots, and Power: Using Academia to Initiate a Positive Transition in the Caribbean.”

The Conference is a longstanding FCSA tradition and proudly celebrates 15 years of positive networking, diversity, and an overall appreciation of Caribbean culture.

The Conference is held during both the fall and spring semesters and on a rotational basis, giving different colleges and universities throughout the state of Florida an opportunity to present their university as well their organization.

“The Conference aims to provide a forum for the interaction of Caribbean students throughout the state of Florida and acts as a conduit through which awareness and vital issues affecting the West Indian community are discussed and debated as a means of resolution,” said Neville Sicard-Gregory, the conference director.

This semester’s Conference is slated to attract well over 800 students and will be a coming together of many countries and cultures in order to enlighten and educate participants about the Caribbean as a whole. “The theme: Knowledge, Roots and Power takes on added meaning as we aim to equip ourselves with the necessary tools to have a positive affect in the Caribbean after we graduate,” said Jamaican-born Sicard-Gregory, a student at UF. In conjunction with the theme, there will be a Job/Career Fair taking place during the conference for the first time.

The Conference also provides a social environment in which students can network and share their resources in order to establish connections that will prepare them for future corporate leadership.

Prominent speakers from previous conferences include The Honorable A.J. Nicholson-Attorney General of Jamaica, The Honorable Dame Eugenia Charles-former Prime Minister of Dominica, Lansana Sekou-noted Caribbean writer and poet, Dr. Anthony Maingot-distinguished professor and UF alumnus, and many others.

Conference attendees will participate in a number of activities over the three days. Guest speakers will facilitate workshops on various topics such as: ‘Development in the Caribbean’, ‘CARICOM’, ‘Caribbean Literature’, and ‘Caribbean Film and Theatre,’ among others.

There will also be a Talent Show Extravaganza where teams compete and showcase the rich culture of the Caribbean. The Conference will close with an inspirational service and picnic.