A new initiative aimed at strengthening South Florida’s Caribbean community will take centre stage on June 27 with the inaugural Caribbean Night Gala and 1st Annual Heritage Awards at The Katz Restaurant in Miami.

Organised by Professor Clarence Dias Edmeade and the GETCAPSS (Get Connected and Promoting Students and Small Business Success) organisation, the event seeks to create a lasting platform where Caribbean people can connect through culture, business, education and community engagement.

The initiative is being supported by actor, stand-up comedian and longtime Miami Broward One Carnival Parade Chief Judge Arthur Joseph, alongside regional media partner Overtime Media, led by Trinidad and Tobago journalist and publicist Nigel Telesford.

Beyond the awards ceremony, organisers hope the gala will become the foundation for an ongoing movement celebrating Caribbean identity while creating opportunities for students, entrepreneurs and cultural practitioners throughout South Florida.

The evening will honour several influential Caribbean community leaders, including Miami Broward One Carnival Committee Chair Joan Hinkson Justin, veteran broadcaster Cleve Osborne and Trinidad and Tobago-born marketing strategist and entrepreneur Asa P. Sealy for their contributions to Caribbean culture and community development.

Former teacher and Senator Dwight Bullard will serve as Master of Ceremonies and Awards Presenter, while Miami Carnival bands Revel Nation, Ruby Mas and Breakaway Crew will provide costumes for a special cultural showcase celebrating one of the Caribbean diaspora’s most vibrant traditions.

South Florida is home to one of the world’s largest Caribbean populations, and organisers say the event is designed to help build stronger connections across the diverse communities that call the region home.

“The vision is bigger than one event,” said Professor Dias. “We want to create opportunities for people to connect, support one another and build stronger communities while celebrating our Caribbean heritage.”

Organisers hope the Caribbean Night Gala will grow into a recurring platform for networking, mentorship, business collaboration and cultural celebration, helping to strengthen Caribbean ties across South Florida and the wider diaspora.

Follow @overtimett on Social Media for more on this growing initiative.