The Caribbean Bar Association recently elected new officers for the 2012-2013 calendar year. The new officers were officially installed at the 16th Annual Caribbean Bar Association Scholarship Banquet on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood.
The new officers are:
Schuyler A. Smith, President, Commercial Litigation Attorney at Lydecker Diaz, LLP. Ms. Smith previously served as Vice President of the association.
Alison F. Smith, President-Elect, Labor and Employment Attorney at Weiss Serota Helfman Pastoriza Cole & Boniske, P.L., in Ft. Lauderdale.
Annika E. Ashton, Vice President, Labor and Employment Attorney at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP in Miami.
Kimare S. Dyer, Secretary, Complex Commercial Litigation Attorney at Lydecker Diaz, LLP in Miami.
Sharaine A. Sibblies, Treasurer, Probate & Trusts Attorney at Carlton Fields, P.A. in Miami.
Nicholas C. Johnson, Member-at-Large, Commercial Litigation Attorney at Roberts, Reynolds, Bedard & Tuzzio, PLLC in Coral Springs.
Stefan E. McHardy, Member-at-Large, General Practice Attorney at DSA Legal Group in Hollywood.
“This year, the Caribbean Bar Association intends to re-affirm its mission to inform, educate and empower the Caribbean –American community. This young and vibrant board is committed to engaging the community, as well as its attorney members, to identify critical issues within our communities and the legal profession, and play its part in addressing same.” commented Schuyler A. Smith, President.
In keeping with this goal, the new board hosted a Media Reception on November 1, 2012, at the office of former president, Jerry Hamilton. Guests included Pat Montague from WAVS 1170 AM, Jean Philippeaux of Island TV, Flor LaTortue, Eddy Edwards from Caribbean Riddims and Cheryl Winters from the Jamaican Consulate. The CBA and its media partners agreed to work together to identify issues that are important to the Caribbean American community and to develop strategies to address these issues. Citizenship and mentoring remain high priorities for the Caribbean American population in South Florida.
“The new board is filled with a dynamic group of energetic professionals from diverse backgrounds, who are committed to giving back and reaching out to the Caribbean-American community. This year, it is the Board’s intention to work closely with our media partners to identify areas of concern for the Caribbean-American community, so that we can utilize our resources to address those concerns. We hope to host citizenship/immigration drives, voter registration drives and other activities that help those members of our community who are in need. As a Board, we are collectively proud of our Caribbean heritage and eager to serve as ambassadors for our community. I am beyond excited to see how this Board will impact the Caribbean-American community in the upcoming year.” stated Alison F. Smith, President-Elect.