ISLAND SYNDICATE HEADS AWARDED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE WORK BY CARIBBEAN BAR ASSOCIATION

Representatives of Island SPACE Caribbean Museum proudly accepted the prestigious Corporate Citizen Award amid a vibrant gathering of distinguished individuals at the 27th Caribbean Bar Association Scholarship and Awards Gala. The gala, held on October 14 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, was aptly themed “Amplify – Get Up, Stand Up, Speak Up.

The Corporate Citizen Award was presented to Island SPACE in recognition of its unwavering commitment to promoting Caribbean heritage, uplifting the Caribbean community and providing a sense of belonging to generations of immigrants. Calibe Thompson, the nonprofit’s president and co-founder, along with co-Founder and past president David I. Muir, and esteemed board members Caren Muir and Lasana Smith, graciously accepted the honor on behalf of the organization.

Thompson and Muir are the heads of creative services agency Island Syndicate, a South Florida leader in photography, videography and publishing services. The business partners started the nonprofit Island SPACE in 2019, just before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, as a way to give-back to the Caribbean community they love.

In her acceptance speech, Thompson articulated the vital role played by Island SPACE Caribbean Museum in preserving the legacy of the Caribbean. She highlighted the need for such institutions in strengthening the connection between the diaspora and their adopted homeland. Thompson shared a poignant story about her older sister’s early experiences in South Florida, where she was asked stereotypical questions about swinging from trees and wearing grass skirts in her native Jamaica. Island SPACE offers those who call the United States their adopted home a place to see high achievers from their own homelands, who have changed, and continue to change, their communities and the world with their stellar achievements.

David I. Muir, another co-founder of the organization, urged the gala attendees, a gathering of high-powered attorneys, to consider supporting Island SPACE Caribbean Museum in their philanthropic endeavors. He emphasized the museum’s importance as a cultural bridge, nurturing an appreciation for Caribbean contributions to society.

The Caribbean Bar Association has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Island SPACE Caribbean Museum. The Corporate Citizen Award presentation has rekindled this alliance, and both organizations are looking forward to a more collaborative relationship in 2024. This partnership promises to foster mutual growth and create impactful initiatives to further enhance Caribbean culture and heritage.

In addition to Island SPACE Caribbean Museum’s well-deserved recognition, the evening celebrated other exceptional awardees. Lorna Brown-Burton, Esq, was honored with the Altruist Award, while the University of Miami Center for Ethics received the Public Service Award. The President’s Award was bestowed upon Jawan Strader, who, in his keynote speech, lovingly acknowledged the support of his Jamaican wife.

The 27th Caribbean Bar Association Scholarship and Awards Gala was an evening of inspiration and celebration, uniting leaders and visionaries in their commitment to amplify the voice and contributions of the Caribbean community.

Re-published with permission from Island Origins Magazine.

Island Society for the Promotion of Artistic and Cultural Education (Island SPACE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of arts, culture, history, and educational initiatives that represent the Caribbean region, in South Florida and the broader diaspora community. 

Visit the museum Thursdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Broward Mall, 8000 West Broward Boulevard, Suite 1202, Plantation, Florida 33388. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Group tours are available by reservation when you call 954-999-0989 or email museum@islandspacefl.org.