New York City became a vibrant epicenter of Caribbean excellence on October 1, 2025, as the third annual Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience unfolded. Hosted by Industry 360, a Trinidad and Tobago-based social impact agency, in partnership with CultureCon, the exclusive, invitation-only event celebrated the rich tapestry of Caribbean culture and recognized influential figures for their outstanding contributions.
A Night of “Mille Fleur: The Secret Garden”
Under the evocative theme “Mille Fleur: The Secret Garden,” the evening transformed its New York venue into a lush display, mirroring the diverse and vibrant spirit of the Caribbean. The event, designed to foster cultural diplomacy and honor the region’s luminaries, diplomats, artists, and allies, brought together a distinguished assembly. Industry 360 founder Tenille Clarke, an award-winning publicist, orchestrated an evening that paid homage to the resilience and brilliance of Caribbean heritage. The meticulously curated ambiance, from the decor conceptualized by Krista Clarke to the culinary journey, underscored the event’s commitment to showcasing Caribbean creativity and connection.
Honoring Cultural Icons: Farinah and Roach
The highlight of the night was the presentation of the prestigious Cultural Legacy Awards. This year, the honors were bestowed upon two titans of Caribbean achievement: celebrity hairstylist Neal Farinah and tourism executive Petra Roach.
Neal Farinah, a Trinidad-born artist renowned for his transformative work with global superstar Beyoncé and numerous other Hollywood A-listers, received the 2025 Cultural Legacy Award. In a profoundly emotional acceptance speech, Farinah, who arrived in the U.S. with little more than $35 and a dream, spoke of overcoming personal challenges and the significance of receiving recognition from his Caribbean community. He shared poignant reflections on his journey, from facing adversity to achieving international acclaim, and a touching anecdote about Beyoncé’s support during difficult times, emphasizing his pride in his roots and his ongoing pursuit of dreams. This marked his first-ever award from a Caribbean-based organization, making the moment particularly resonant.
Petra Roach, a seasoned professional in the tourism sector and the newly appointed Director of Sales and Marketing at Wyndham Grand Barbados, was also celebrated with the Industry 360 Cultural Legacy Award. Her decades-long leadership has been instrumental in positioning the Caribbean as a premier global travel and cultural destination. Roach’s acceptance speech served as a powerful call to action, urging all people of Caribbean descent and their allies to actively participate in shaping how the world perceives the region. She emphasized the collective role, responsibility, and duty in celebrating, protecting, and respecting the Caribbean’s indigenous treasures as they continue to shine on the global stage.
A Symphony of Caribbean Talent
The Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience extended beyond its award ceremony, offering a comprehensive celebration of the region’s artistic prowess. Attendees savored a four-course meal meticulously curated by Chef Adam Waithe, showcasing the rich flavors of Caribbean cuisine. The evening was further enlivened by captivating performances from Jamaican artist Hector Roots Lewis and Tionne Hernandez of Barbados, whose music resonated with the spirit and energy of the islands. The event also saw the presence of notable guests, including Trinidad and Tobago’s Consul General to New York, Andre Laveau, Haitian-American media personality Jessie Woo, and Peter Mayers, U.S. Director of Barbados Tourism and Marketing Inc., among other key figures.
Cultivating Caribbean Culture and Diplomacy
Tenille Clarke, founder of Industry 360, expressed immense gratitude for the evening’s success, highlighting the profound sense of community and resilience that defined the event. “What we witnessed on October 1 was the power of community,” Clarke stated. “The Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience was built to honor our excellence, our resilience and our right to be celebrated. Seeing Neal and Petra so moved, seeing the smiles, the laughter, the tears: that is the magic of this Caribbean movement.” She called upon public and private sector leaders to continue championing Caribbean creative excellence. The Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience continues to solidify its position as a cornerstone event during New York’s CultureCon Week, providing a vital platform that amplifies Caribbean voices and narratives, reinforcing the region’s significant impact on global culture and its growing influence in international affairs. The news of this annual celebration underscores a sustained effort to foster pride and recognition for Caribbean talent worldwide.