The third annual Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Expertise introduced Caribbean vibrancy, grace, and artistic energy to life in spectacular vogue on October 1st. Trinbagonian-based social affect company Trade 360, in partnership with CultureCon, hosted an unforgettable night that honoured the lifetime service of two industry-giants – Neal Farinah, Trinidad and Tobago-born movie star hairstylist to Grammy-winning recording artist Beyoncé, and Petra Roach, seasoned tourism skilled and Director of Gross sales and Advertising and marketing on the Wyndham Grand Barbados. Amongst a cross part of Caribbean thought-leaders, specially-invited friends included Consul Normal NY of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Andre Laveau; Haitian-American media persona Jessie Woo and Peter Mayers, US Director of Barbados Tourism and Advertising and marketing Inc.
The invitation-only dinner embodied the 2025 theme Mille Fleur: The Secret Backyard: a lush celebration of Caribbean brilliance blooming in all its artistic varieties. From the decor to the culinary expertise – as nicely performances by Jamaican favourite Hector Roots Lewis and Tionne Hernandez of Barbados – each element mirrored the spirit of unity and abundance that defines the Caribbean artistic panorama.
Receiving his first ever award from a Caribbean-based group, Neal Farinah emotionally mirrored on his life’s work, his earlier difficult circumstances, and the significance of receiving the 2025 Cultural Legacy Award. “I by no means thought in my life that I might get an award or flowers for what I’ve completed, however I got here to america with $35 and a dream, and I’m nonetheless dreaming,” the Arima-born legend humbly shared with the capability viewers of Caribbean professionals and allies. Recounting his private experiences with the residing legend who he fondly known as ‘his boss’, Farinah defined, “I bear in mind when my mom was dying, Beyoncé informed me ‘she’s happy with you’. And I do know she’s happy with me now.”
One other marquee second was the presentation of the Trade 360 Cultural Legacy Award to beloved Caribbean Tourism icon, Petra Roach, which drew thunderous applause from attendees. The newly minted Director of Gross sales and Advertising and marketing at Wyndham Grand Barbados was acknowledged for her decades-long management in positioning the Caribbean as a premier journey and cultural vacation spot.
Receiving a standing ovation for her transferring acceptance speech, Roach mirrored on the importance of being acknowledged by Trade 360 and CultureCon. She used the awards alternative as a call-to-action to all Caribbean folks and allies, emphasizing that, “All of us have a job, a accountability and an obligation to play in the way in which that the world sees the Caribbean. Our indigenous treasures needs to be celebrated, protected and revered as we proceed to shine on the worldwide stage.”
For each Roach and Farinah, their heartfelt phrases echoed the night time’s overarching theme: a celebration of the numerous flowers that make up the Caribbean’s international cultural backyard, and underscored the significance of recognizing regional expertise inside its personal group.
Trade 360 Founder, Tenille Clarke expressed profound gratitude for the night’s success and continued widespread diasporic assist, explaining, “What we witnessed on October 1 in partnership with CultureCon was the ability of group. The Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Expertise was constructed to honour our excellence, our resilience, and our proper to be celebrated. Seeing Neal and Petra so moved, seeing the grins, the laughter, the tears: that’s the magic of this Caribbean motion.”
From heartfelt speeches to a celebration of music, meals and tradition, the night overflowed with heat, gratitude, and satisfaction, a real testomony to the energy and unity of the Caribbean diaspora.
Because the lights dimmed on the night’s festivities, one reality remained clear: the Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Expertise has blossomed into one in all New York’s most anticipated cultural celebrations throughout CultureCon Week: persevering with to uplift the voices, imaginative and prescient, and vitality of Caribbean creators, storytellers and dreamers worldwide.
The 2025 Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Expertise was made potential by beneficiant assist from Barbados Tourism Advertising and marketing Inc., Chambers Media Options, Wyndham Grand Barbados, Jim Beam, Nouvelle Vie, Maya Winston, and PR Lady Manifesto.
