New York City became a vibrant tapestry of Caribbean talent and culture on October 1st, 2025, as the third annual Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience unfolded with splendor. Hosted by Industry 360 in partnership with CultureCon, the exclusive, invitation-only event celebrated luminaries, diplomats, artists, and allies from across the Caribbean diaspora, bestowing prestigious Cultural Legacy Awards upon two distinguished individuals.
A Blooming Celebration of Caribbean Culture
Themed “Mille Fleur: The Secret Garden,” the evening evoked the lush, diverse, and captivating essence of the Caribbean. This theme, reminiscent of the intricate “thousand flower” patterns found in medieval tapestries, served as a fitting metaphor for the region’s rich cultural mosaic and the blooming brilliance of its people. The ambiance was meticulously crafted, featuring intricate décor conceptualized by Krista Clarke and a culinary journey curated by Chef Adam Waithe, which offered guests a taste of the islands’ finest offerings. The air buzzed with rhythm and talent, amplified by musical performances from Jamaica’s Hector Roots Lewis and Tionne Hernandez of Barbados.
Industry 360, a Trinidad and Tobago-based social impact agency, and CultureCon, a prominent platform for Black creatives, united for this significant occasion. Tenille Clarke, founder of Industry 360, underscored the event’s core mission: to honor the excellence, resilience, and cultural brilliance of the Caribbean. “The Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience was built to honor our excellence, our resilience and our right to be celebrated,” Clarke stated. “What we witnessed on October 1 was the power of community. Seeing the smiles, the laughter, the tears: that is the magic of this Caribbean movement.”
Honoring Titans of Caribbean Influence
The evening’s highest honors, the Cultural Legacy Awards, were presented to two individuals who have significantly impacted their respective fields and elevated the global profile of Caribbean culture and commerce.
Neal Farinah, a Trinidad-born celebrity hairstylist renowned for his work with global superstar Beyoncé and numerous Hollywood A-listers, received a Cultural Legacy Award. For Farinah, this recognition held profound personal significance, marking his first award from a Caribbean organization. Visibly moved, he shared a powerful narrative of his journey, recounting his arrival in the United States with meager resources and a dream. “I never thought in my life that I would get an award or flowers for what I’ve done,” he expressed, highlighting the challenges he overcame and the importance of community validation. His speech served as a testament to perseverance and the enduring spirit of Caribbean ambition.
Petra Roach, a seasoned tourism executive and the Director of Sales and Marketing at Wyndham Grand Barbados, was also honored. Her award recognized her decades of leadership in promoting the Caribbean as a premier travel and cultural destination. Roach used her acceptance speech as a powerful call to action, emphasizing the collective responsibility of Caribbean people and their allies to shape the global perception of their homeland. “We all have a role, a responsibility and a duty to play in the way that the world sees the Caribbean,” she asserted. “Our indigenous treasures should be celebrated, protected and respected as we continue to shine on the global stage.”
The Enduring Power of Cultural Legacy
The Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience serves as a vital platform, amplifying the voices and stories of a diaspora that continues to flourish on the world stage. The event not only celebrates individual achievements but also reinforces the collective identity and shared heritage of Caribbean communities. By bringing together key figures and allies in New York, a global hub with a significant Caribbean population, the organizers foster connections, inspire future generations, and affirm the invaluable contributions of Caribbean culture to the global arts, business, and tourism sectors. This annual news highlights the ongoing narrative of Caribbean excellence, proving that culture and legacy are powerful forces that transcend borders and continue to bloom beautifully.
As the third edition concluded, the “Mille Fleur” theme lingered, symbolizing the intricate, beautiful, and ever-expanding legacy of Caribbean culture, celebrated and recognized in the heart of New York.