Nettleford And Walcott Honored At Gala Celebrating Caribbean American Heritage Month

The Caribbean American Book & Art Fair Gala Award Night, held last night at the Miramar Cultural Arts Center, paid tribute to Professor Rex Nettleford and Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott for their outstanding contributions to Caribbean Heritage.  Norma Darby of the Jamaica Folk Revue was also recognized for her contribution to culture as well as Selman Lewis and Clint O’Neil; posthumously recognized for their contribution to Miami Carnival and Caribbean Radio respectively.  A number of other outstanding Caribbean nationals were recognized at the Awards Gala, which kicked off four days of activities celebrating Caribbean American Heritage Month.

Tonight, June 19, 2009, will be the opening reception of the Caribbean American Book & Art Fair and features a Laureate Conversation between Rex Nettleford and Derek Walcott in the City of Miramar Commission Chambers at City Hall.  Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.  Saturday’s book fair opens at 10:00 am and will feature storytellers, seminars and workshops by top Caribbean authors.

A multi-cultural show featuring the Mighty Sparrow and King Ajamu of Grenada, Ancient Man of the Bahamas, Comedian Chris “Johnny” Daley and Fatman George, the Body Nation Dancers, Rhythm Force Band and a number of other performers will close the four-day celebration on Sunday at the Miramar Cultural Arts Center. Showtime is 4:00 p.m. 4-8150 for more information.

The events are under the patronage of the Caribbean Consular Corp, the Caribbean-American Heritage Foundation (CAHF), The Caribbean-American Book & Art Fair (CABA), The City of Miramar, FLASC, in association with Jamaica Awareness, Inc.