CBA Awards Gala Honors Outstanding Contributions Of Caribbean Nationals – Saturday Sept. 30 in Hollywood, Florida

Three Jamaican nationals will be honored by the Caribbean Bar Association, CBA) at its tenth annual scholarship and awards banquet this Saturday (Sept. 30) in Hollywood, Florida.

The theme for the banquet “Contributions of Caribbean nationals” will appropriately acknowledge the outstanding contribution made by the three recipients namely, Dr. Karl S. Wright, president of Florida Memorial University, radio personality, Winsome ‘Lady C’ Charlton of Hi-Class Promotions, and Aston Lue of Ocho Rios Miami, Incorporated, in the areas of education, culture and commerce, respectively.

As part of the annual scholarship program, three South Florida students of Caribbean descent with outstanding academic achievement will also be awarded scholarships. Two will go to college-bound freshmen, while the other student will receive a scholarship through secondary and tertiary education.

Jamaica’s cultural icon, the Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley will be among several Caribbean nationals to be recognized at a cultural display during the evening’s entertainment. Those persons will also be lauded for their significant contributions through music, literature, politics, science and education, internationally.

In commending the awardees, Jamaica’s Consul General and Chair of the CARICOM Consular Corp in Miami, Ricardo Allicock said that the theme selected for the event was “timely and highly relevant in light of the decision that, earlier this year, the President of the USA officially declared June as Caribbean American Heritage month.” He continued that Caribbean nationals have significantly and positively impacted the USA over the past 200 years.

An economist, Dr. Wright was earlier this year, appointed President of the Florida Memorial University in North Miami. Described as a staunch advocate of academic excellence, Dr. Wright was instrumental in increasing the size and upgrading the credentials of the 127 year old institution, leading the University through successful accreditation processes while developing significant external relationships with the community.

Winsome Charlton, (Lady C as she is affectionately known) is considered the pioneer of Caribbean formatted radio broadcast in North America. Her commitment to Caribbean culture in the USA also saw the founding of the annual ReggaeSoca Music Awards show – also known as the Caribbean Grammies – now in its thirteenth year, recognizing outstanding talent in the Caribbean entertainment industry.

Through her involvement in the media and cultural arena, Ms. Charlton has been the recipient of several awards and accolades highlighting her accomplishments in the development of Caribbean media here in the USA. She also directs her energy in projects of community development throughout the Diaspora serving in the areas of health, charitable service and sporting activities.

Aston Lue of Ocho Rios Miami Incorporated will receive the corporate leadership award for his company’s continued commitment and support of Caribbean events throughout the South Florida community.

Ocho Rios Miami, a South Florida company, is a major distributor of Caribbean products through the USA, Canada and the Caribbean.

Last year, Aston Lue was the national winner of the USA Department of Commerce Minority Business Exporter of the Year award (2005).

Aston Lue has been described as an ardent community supporter throughout the Diaspora and is also actively involved in several community associations in the areas of charitable giving, while serving on several boards in the area of commerce and industry.