The Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS)

As you may know, on February 14, 2006, the US Senate approved House Concurrent Resolution declaring June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. President Bush is expected to sign the Proclamation heralding this event in late May.   In commemoration of this historic occasion, the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS), has organized a series of events targeting the small business community and community leaders.

The events which will take place June 19-20 include: a) Business Opportunities Seminar at the Inter-American Development Bank.; and b) Symposium on The Power of the Diaspora: Role of Financial Services.  In addition ICS will undertake the 8^th Annual Caribbean American Legislative Forum, which will be followed by a Community Reception to Honor Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Senator Charles Schumer for their leadership in sponsoring House Concurrent Resolution and also show our Appreciation to all Congressional Representatives who signed on as supporters of the Bill.  As one of the original supporters of the Bill we feel confident that you will want to be part of the Host Committee for the Reception.

In addition, the Office of the White House will host a Reception and Briefing targeting Caribbean American Business and Community Leaders on Monday, June 19 at 1:00p.m.-3:00 p.m.   At this event, each invited participant will be presented with an official commemorative letter by President George Bush.  Following this, ICS will organize a Commemorative “Heritage is Priceless” Dinner to be held following the White House event on Monday, June 19 at 6:30 p.m.  The distinguished list of speakers being invited to this series of events include: (1) Rt. Hon. Dr. Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada ; (2) Hon. Edwin Carrington, Secretary General, CARICOM ; (3) Hon. Anthony Williams, Mayor of Washington, DC ; (4) Hon. Hazelle Rogers, Commissioner, City of Lauderdale Lakes ; (5) Hon. Shirley Nathan Pulliam, Maryland House of Delegates ; (6) Ronald Langston, Director, Minority Business Development Agency; (7) Daniel Heath, Deputy Associate Director, National Economic Council ; (8) Harriet Michel, President, National Minority Suppliers Development Council.  We trust that your schedule will permit you to join us in Washington DC for this unprecedented networking opportunity.

As you can imagine these events are not without cost.  As one of the supporting organizations, we know you would like     an opportunity to show your appreciation to the MEMBERS of CONGRESS as well as to the ADMINISTRATION for its support of the Bill to declare JUNE as Caribbean American Heritage.

Attached you will find admission and sponsorship rates as well as Registration Forms.  Owing to national security clearance requirements, people wishing to be included in the White House invitation list must indicate their interest no       later than MAY 25, 2006.  This is to ensure timely review as your invitation will be send DIRECTLY from the White         House only after we have received your payment and your name has been cleared through NSA.   NO ONE will be     invited without prior security clearance. See other important deadlines on the registration.

In addition, ICS has scheduled other key events that we list on this special calendar for your information and invitation.  They are: 1) InterFaith Worship Service on June 11^th;  2) National Caribbean American Student Conference on June 23;  3) Cricket on the National Mall (One Day Invitational).

We hope that you will join us in creating a commanding presence of the Caribbean American Community on Capitol Hill and at the White House on June 19-20; and setting the tone for future engagement in advancing the interests of our community.  Should you have any questions or need any additional information feel free to contact me at (202) 907-6140 or Yasmine Anderson Smith, Special Event Coordinator at  (301) 792-2276  or Glenn Joseph ICS Executive Vice President at  (754) 224-6150.  We look forward to working with you.