Selman Lewis, CEO of Miami Carnival Committee Inc., Dies at Age 60

MIAMI – Selman Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of the Miami Carnival Inc., died on Monday, September 29, 2008 at Aventura Hospital, Aventura, FL.

The following is a statement from his family and the Board of Directors of Miami Carnival, Inc.

Selman’s life began 60 years ago in Trinidad. He attended Belmont Intermediate School. As a youngster he played mas in Kiddies Carnival. He continued to play mas every year in Trinidad and Tobago. Selman was a loyal member of Peter Minshall’s band for many years and in recent years with Brian McFarlane “mas band”.

Selman migrated to New York in 1969. He attended Pace University and aviation school in New York. Selman was awarded a government scholarship from the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago and after graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree; he returned to Trinidad & Tobago to work for the Government in various Ministries, including a posting as a Foreign Service Diplomat with a portfolio, which included tourism and international trade.

In 1980, Selman started working for the Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Board in Miami. He formed Mega Marketing Inc. in 1988. As a tourism and marketing professional, Selman also played a role in building Miami as a destination brand within the Caribbean Diaspora. Selman has had Board responsibilities with numerous front-line organizations nationally and internationally and has received many awards for his management, marketing and leadership abilities.

“Selman Lewis offered his marketing acumen in making Miami a premier destination brand. His contribution to our region’s cultural tourism is unquestioned,” said Bill Talbert, President, Greater Miami Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

Selman’s love and passion for Carnival continued when he became the guiding force behind Miami Carnival in 1990. He was the Chief Executive Officer of Miami Carnival Inc. and as such was responsible for the execution of the annual Miami Carnival, which is the third-largest Caribbean Carnival in North America. He is also the President of China Mas Group, the most outstanding mas band in Miami Carnival, which has won the “Band of the Year” title for seven consecutive years. In addition to Miami Carnival, Selman started the era of the Coconut Grove Convention Center Carnival party, hiring 5 music bands for two nights in Miami. An innovator, possessing an immensely creative mind, Selman truly laid the foundation for the success and growth of the Miami Carnival celebration.

“Always and to the end, Selman was the icon of knowledge behind Miami Carnival. He worked on the 24th Annual Miami Carnival until the day he went into the hospital. He will be profoundly missed by those whose lives he touched, but he leaves us with extraordinary inspiration to draw upon this Miami Carnival season”, states the Miami Carnival Inc., board members.

“We are saddened at the loss of Selman Lewis. He was a community pillar who provided leadership to the important cultural institution of Caribbean Carnival in South Florida”. Miami-Dade County, Commissioner Dennis Moss, District 9

“Within in the last few months, a number of personalities from the Trinidad and Tobago community in South Florida have died. The Trinidad and Tobago Consulate General extends its deepest condolences to Selman’s family on this very sad occasion” states Mr. Gerald Greene, Consul General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Selman is survived by his wife Janet, two sons Christopher and Adrian, daughter-in-law Jerry, grandchildren Kai and Terrick and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made payable to the Selman Lewis Memorial Scholarship Fund. Mail to Miami Carnival office at 18425 NW 2nd Ave, Suite 335, Miami, Fl 33169.

Wake and Funeral Services

Wake
Thursday, October 2nd, 2008
7pm
Claudia’s
17730 NW 27th Ave
Miami Gardens

Closed funeral services for family and close friends
Friday, October 3rd, 2008
6pm-9pm
Boyd Funeral Home
6400 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood

Public Memorial Service
Saturday, October 4, 2008
11:30am
St. Bartholomew,
8005 Miramar Parkway,
Miramar
954.431.0612

Repast immediately after Public Memorial Service
Claudia’s
17730 NW 27th Ave.
Miami