The Island SPACE Caribbean Museum celebrated a significant milestone, marking five years of dedicated service to preserving and promoting the rich tapestry of Caribbean heritage. The “Milestones: FIYAH! Fashion. Folklore. Future.” gala, held on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the elegant Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort, brought together nearly 300 guests for an evening of cultural celebration, community pride, and ambitious vision-casting.
A Night of “FIYAH!”: Spectacle and Caribbean Spirit
The gala itself was a vibrant testament to the Caribbean spirit, transforming the resort into an immersive dreamscape. Guests arrived on a dazzling red carpet, adorned in couture inspired by Caribbean folklore, reimagining iconic figures from myths and legends. The oceanfront cocktail hour buzzed with energy, featuring live music by the Melo Groove Steel Orchestra and captivating performances by costumed stiltwalkers and mimes portraying figures like the MidRobber, La Sirène, and the Soucouyant. Attendees enjoyed island-inspired appetizers, rum punch, and a silent auction, setting a festive tone for the evening.
Inside, hosts Neki Mohan and Keith “Papa Keith” Walcott guided the proceedings, which included theatrical spectacle, cultural pride, and formal gala elegance. The Delou Africa Dance Ensemble delivered a dynamic opening performance, followed by avant-garde fashion showcases and soulful vocals from LaVie. The event was a seamless blend of high-energy entertainment and profound cultural expression, truly embodying the “FIYAH!” theme.
The Journey of Island SPACE: From Pop-Up to Permanent Hub
Executive Director Calibe Thompson opened the gala by reflecting on the museum’s remarkable journey since its founding as a non-profit organization in 2019. What began as a series of small, temporary pop-up exhibits has evolved into the world’s first and only brick-and-mortar pan-Caribbean heritage museum, officially opening its doors in November 2020. Island SPACE fills a critical void, serving as a central anchor for the diverse English-, Spanish-, French-, and Dutch-speaking Caribbean communities residing in South Florida, a region where one in four residents has Caribbean roots. The museum’s mission is to educate the public about the valuable contributions and positive significance of the Caribbean community, combating stereotypes and celebrating shared history and culture.
Honoring Icons and Inspiring the Future
A pivotal part of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural Island SPACE ICON Awards. Four distinguished individuals were recognized for their significant impact on South Florida’s multicultural landscape: Broward County Commissioner Hazelle P. Rogers, Broward Bar Association Executive Director Braulio N. Rosa, Sant La Founder and Executive Director Gepsie M. Metellus, and Community Engagement Director for South Dade Kia of Miami Lesly Simon. Their inspiring acceptance speeches underscored the importance of leadership in advancing cultural preservation and community empowerment.
Keynote speaker Marlon Hill, Esq., a respected attorney and advocate for Caribbean culture, delivered an impassioned address emphasizing the critical role of community-driven institutions in preserving diaspora heritage and inspiring future generations. His message resonated deeply, reinforcing the museum’s purpose.
Fueling the Next Chapter: The $1 Million Capital Campaign
The FIYAH! Gala also served as the official launch of Island SPACE’s ambitious $1 million capital campaign. This initiative aims to secure the museum’s long-term sustainability by strengthening its operations, expanding its team, and laying the groundwork for a larger, permanent cultural complex anticipated by 2027. Co-Founder David I. Muir highlighted that the campaign is essential for ensuring Island SPACE endures as a transformative institution, elevating the profile of Caribbean art, history, and culture across the United States and beyond.
A Beacon of Culture and Community Engagement
Beyond its celebratory nature, the gala reinforced Island SPACE’s role as a vital community hub. The museum actively fosters engagement with Caribbean consulates, cultural organizations, and academic institutions. Furthermore, in the wake of recent natural disasters, the museum has also demonstrated its commitment to broader humanitarian efforts, serving as a collection point for hurricane relief supplies destined for the Caribbean and pledging proceeds from upcoming events to recovery initiatives.
As the evening concluded, emerging board leaders Cleopatra Bauduy, Juli-Anne Lee, and Christina Brown issued a heartfelt call to action, encouraging attendees to contribute their time, talent, and resources to help shape the museum’s next chapter. The FIYAH! Gala was not merely a celebration of the past five years but a powerful declaration of intent, igniting enthusiasm and support for the continued growth and enduring legacy of the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, a true beacon of Caribbean news and entertainment in South Florida.