Search

    Select Website Language

    The Caribbean American Lawyers Association (CALA) held its annual gala on June 11 at El Caribe Country Club in Brooklyn, drawing more than 300 guests from around the legal community for an evening of celebration, recognition, and glamour.

    Karlyne Fequiere, Esq., Chief Assistant Corporation Counsel at the NYC Law Department, served as Mistress of Ceremonies. The program opened with a prayer by Hon. Michael Liddie, judge at the NYC Family Court in the Bronx, followed by a performance of the national anthem and "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by Donna Perry.

    Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix, retired judge and CALA's founding president, delivered a welcome address.

    Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, CALA has grown steadily over nearly six years, providing scholarships for students, offering continuing legal education programs, conducting community events, and co-sponsoring initiatives with partner organizations.

    In her presidential message, Hinds-Radix reaffirmed the association's commitment to financial support for aspiring legal professionals and protecting the rule of law.

    The evening's centerpiece was the presentation of the 2026 honoree awards. Yvette Hinds-Wills, co-founder and third vice president of CALA, received the Founder's Award. Hon. Karen Gopee, justice of the NYS Supreme Court in Queens County, was named Outstanding Jurist of the Year.

    Hon. Edwina Richardson, deputy chief administrative judge for justice initiatives, accepted the President's Award.

    Henry Garrido, executive director of District Council 37, AFSCME, received the Pinnacle of Leadership Award, while Lynelle Maginley-Liddie, Esq., former NYC correction commissioner, earned the Outstanding Public Servant Award.

    Dr. Millicent Comrie, director and founder of the Center of Women's Health at Maimonides Medical Center, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

    For more information about the event and the organization, visit cala-nyc.org.

    [caption id="attachment_137855157" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]The Caribbean American Lawyers Association board of directors (from l. to r.): Michelle DeSouza Forte, Corresponding Secretary
Jovia Roadix-Seaborough, Treasurer
Hon. Inga O'Neale
Christopher Foderingham-Garraway
Betty Matondo-John (ME, Dinner Chair)
Karlyne Fequiere (she was the Mistress of Ceremonies)
Hon. Michael Liddie, 2nd VP
Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix, ret'd., President
Rudyard Whyte, Chair of the Board
Evette Ennis
Hon. Dale Fong-Frederick
Hon. Karen Gopee
Hon. Michele Rodney, 1st VP
Hon. Lisa Daley
Shanel Spence, Recording Secretary
Yvette Hinds-Wills, 3rd VP The Caribbean American Lawyers Association board of directors (from l. to r.): Michelle DeSouza Forte, Corresponding Secretary; Jovia Roadix-Seaborough, Treasurer; Hon. Inga O'Neale
    Christopher Foderingham-Garraway; Betty Matondo-John (ME, Dinner Chair); Karlyne Fequiere (Mistress of Ceremonies); Hon. Michael Liddie, second vice president; Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix, ret'd., President; Rudyard Whyte, Chair of the Board; Evette Ennis; Hon. Dale Fong-Frederick; Hon. Karen Gopee; Hon. Michele Rodney, first vice president; Hon. Lisa Daley; Shanel Spence, Recording Secretary; and Yvette Hinds-Wills, third vice president.
    Photo by Roderick Randall/Courtesy Caribbean American Lawyers Association[/caption] [caption id="attachment_137855156" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]Rudy Whyte with Yvette Hinds-Wills (who received the Founders Award), and Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix. Rudy Whyte with Yvette Hinds-Wills (who received the Founders Award), and Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix.Photo by Roderick Randall/Courtesy Caribbean American Lawyers Association[/caption] [caption id="attachment_137855155" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]Hon. Edwina Richardson (President's Award) Hon. Edwina Richardson, deputy chief administrative judge for justice initiatives, accepted the President's Award.Photo by Roderick Randall/Courtesy Caribbean American Lawyers Association[/caption] [caption id="attachment_137855153" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Henry Garrido, executive director of District Council 37, AFSCME, received the Pinnacle of Leadership Award.Photo by Roderick Randall/Courtesy Caribbean American Lawyers Association[/caption] [caption id="attachment_137855152" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Dr. Millicent Comrie, director and founder of the Center of Women's Health at Maimonides Medical Center, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.Photo by Roderick Randall/Courtesy Caribbean American Lawyers Association[/caption] [caption id="attachment_137855150" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Hon. Karen Gopee, justice of the NYS Supreme Court in Queens County, was named Outstanding Jurist of the Year.Photo by Roderick Randall/Courtesy Caribbean American Lawyers Association[/caption] [caption id="attachment_137855149" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Lynelle Maginley-Liddie, Esq., former NYC correction commissioner, earned the Outstanding Public Servant Award.Photo by Roderick Randall/Courtesy Caribbean American Lawyers Association[/caption]
    Previous Article
    Lane Kiffin Talks Sam Leavitt 👀
    Next Article
    Where Did the Money Go? The Secrets Behind Black Celebrity Estates

    Related Diaspora Updates:

    Are you sure? You want to delete this comment..! Remove Cancel

    Comments (0)

      Leave a comment