WHO: The Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) presents its 16th Annual Caribbean American Heritage Awards (CARAH) Gala.

WHAT: Nominees for the 2009 CARAH Awards include: Hon. Shirley Nathan Pulliam, Member, Maryland House of Delegates; Dr. Anthony Kalloo, Pioneer in the field of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; George Willie, Managing Partner, Bert Smith & Co.; Lynton Scotland; Vice President for Operational Energy at NRG Energy Incorporated and Member of the Executive Leadership Council, Willard Wigan, renowned Micro sculptor and Allison Hinds, illustrious Soca Diva.

The Gala will be co-hosted by John Blake, Host, Caribbean Experience, WHUR FM 96.3, and Maureen Bunyan, Anchor, ABC-affiliate WJLA TV7.
  
WHEN: Friday, November 13, 2009

WHERE: The Renaissance Marriott on Ninth & K Street NW in Washington, DC.

WHY: The Institute of Caribbean Studies aims to promote the economic development of the Caribbean peoples. The Caribbean Diaspora in the US is estimated at 5 million. Given this significant number and the current political/economic environment, and anti-immigrant climate, we feel it especially important to recognize Caribbean Americans who contribute significantly to the American economic, social and cultural landscape.

The event has come to be recognized as the premier celebration of Caribbean American achievement.  Past keynote speakers and honorees include Prime Minister Kenny Anthony of St. Lucia, Prime Minister Owen Arthur of Barbados; Black Enterprise publisher Earl Graves, legendary actress Cicely Tyson and former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young. 

The CARAH Awards gala will follow the Caribbean American Leadership Dialogue: Invest Caribbean 2009 under the theme, “Emerging Opportunities in a Lean Economy”.  Invest Caribbean 2009 will focus on emerging opportunities in Energy, Infrastructure and Financial Services.