Monday Aug 6th is Jamaica Independence day

With the Jamaican Independence coming on Monday, all kinds of good things are happening right now. There are shows planned, speeches, and awards being given to extraordinary individuals and organizations. Need I mention our runners in the Olympics this year, I think that’s just fate, I see Gold going back a yaad. One of the most recent things to happen however is the ICS being honored by the U.S. State Department for their exceptional work advocating for Caribbean Americans in the U.S.

The Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) was among a select group of organizations that were honored by the U.S. State Department and the White House on Friday, July 27.

At a ceremony held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, ICS Founder and President Dr. Claire Nelson was recognized for ICS’ work advancing partnerships between members of the Diaspora and the public/private sector. ICS has been central in promoting the Caribbean development agenda and promoting awareness about National Caribbean American Heritage Month.

During her remarks, Dr. Nelson highlighted ICS most recent work in promoting youth entrepreneurship through LifeSEED, its empowerment and entrepreneurship program.ICS is also working with the State Department on an upcoming program about the Caribbean sea.

Watch the entire proceeding below.

Go ICS, these are people effecting real change and doing something positive for all Caribbeans. Show some love. Visit them and send them a message of support for their efforts. Will definitely be back again with more on the Jamaica Independence. Congratulations to the Institute of Caribbean Studies for this great Honor ceremony they were a part of.

National Caribbean Heritage Month is June 2012; Year Six

This year marks 6 years we have been celebrating June as National Caribbean Heritage Month.  But did you know how it all started? In 2000, the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) began leading the celebration of June as Caribbean American Heritage Month in Washington DC, building on efforts started by a now defunct Ad-Hoc Group of Washington DC residents to have a Caribbean Heritage Month in Washington DC in 1999.  The Bill passed the House in June, 2005, and the Senate in February, 2006. A Proclamation making the Resolution official was then signed by President Bush on June 5, 2006.

Dr. Claire Nelson, founder of the Institute of Caribbean Studies in, Washington DC is making sure the tradition continues in 2012. While we’re busy celebrating National Caribbean Heritage Month in your own way, ICS is busy making sure our voices are heard in front of Congress and the United States Government. One of the self-appointed duties of Dr. Nelson, as chair and founder of the Institute is to be the voice of the Caribbean peoples before Congress.

For those of you who don’t know who the Institute of Caribbean Studies is you can visit http://www.icsdc.org to get the full details on ICS and Dr. Claire Nelson.

The Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) is a non-partisan, non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization established in 1993 dedicated to education, advocacy and action on issues that impact on Caribbean Americans.

The purpose of the Institute is to provide a forum for the public and private sector, the non-government organization community, scholars and others interested in promoting a dialogue and to assist in the execution of actions that result from that dialogue.

ICS has become leading community think-do tank in the Caribbean Diaspora in the US.  ICS is the architect and campaign chair of National Caribbean American Heritage Month, executive producer of the National Caribbean American Heritage Awards since 1994, Convener of the Invest Caribbean Business Leaders Dialogue since 1999, and the Caribbean Futures Initiative established in 2007.

Leading up to June’s celebration of, National Caribbean Heritage Month, Dr Nelson and ICS have been touting the Expo Jamaica Event. As the voice of the Caribbean and a think-tank for the Caribbean in America, she has been actively seeking business owners, investors, and those interested in doing business in Jamaica or looking for a new business venue. That is the true embodiment of Caribbean pride; to never stop working and highlighting the Caribbean Islands from the people to the Business. If you’re a business owner you can still register for the free Teleconference to learn about the businesses and opportunities available.

This year marks six years of commemorating National Caribbean Heritage Month, thanks to Dr Claire Nelson and the institute of Caribbean Studies. As June creeps closer and closer we can begin to think about what we each will do to highlight our contribution to the United States, the US economy, and sports in America.

National Caribbean Heritage Months marks a time when we can be proud of our accomplishments and contribution to society and our respective communities in America. We get to showcase our myriad of cultures and enjoy each other’s company. Personally I would like to extend a solemn, “thank you”, to Dr Nelson and ICS for the great work they’ve done advocating for the institution of NCHM. Thanks to the United States President and Congressional leaders who acknowledged and recognized our contribution. We proudly stand as Caribbean-Americans; we stand in the military, we work in the hospitals, we celebrate as Americans and we cry as Americans. Be proud of your Heritage as a Caribbean-American. Enjoy June and do not forget those who made it possible.

Join the Institute of Caribbean Studies at The Expo Jamaica in April 2012

Imagine your Small Business, Restaurant, Events, Hospitality Business, or yourself with the freshest ingredients or products shipped to you direct from Jamaica. Now, imagine doing business with one of the top tourism nations in the world; that’s right, Jamaica. On April 26-29, 2012 Expo Jamaica will be showcasing businesses from the arts and crafts, textile and apparel, their quality furniture and bedding, construction, Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals, and more at this year’s expo. You will have the chance to network with and export products of your choice directly from Jamaica. Dr Claire Nelson and the Institute of Caribbean Studies (http:www.icsdc.org) will also be there and are hoping to take between 10 to 30 small business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors with them. You could be joining over 270 already registered buyers from the U.S.A. the United Kingdom, Ghana, Canada, Russia, and over fifteen other nations including Jamaica.

Expo Jamaica

The Expo Jamaica is a showcase of Jamaica’s business industries. There will be more than fifteen industries showcased in April’s event. So from April 26^th through the 29^th the Jamaican expo event will be in full swing. The ICS will be conducting their event surrounding the Expo Jamaica showcase. The ICS event will start from Aril 25^th, one day early to help familiarize you with Jamaica and fuel your business and possibly your network. One of the benefits of taking the trip with the ICS is that you will get to meet the enigmatic, Dr Claire Nelson. She has been advocating for development with the Institute of Caribbean Studies since the early nineties.

Who is the Institute of Caribbean Studies

ICS on Facebook

ICSDC.org main website

Registering with ICS for the Event

Established in 1993, the Institute of Caribbean Studies has dedicated itself to the advocacy of issues that impact Caribbean Americans. The purpose of the Institute is to provide a forum for the public and private sector, the non-government organization community, scholars and others interested in promoting a dialogue and to assist in the execution of actions that result from that dialogue.

ICS has become leading community think-do tank in the Caribbean diaspora in the US.  ICS is the architect and campaign chair of National Caribbean American Heritage Month, executive producer of the National Caribbean American Heritage Awards since 1994, Convenor of the Invest Caribbean Business Leaders Dialogue since 1999, and the Caribbean Futures Initiative established in 2007 (ICS). By Supporting the Expo Jamaica event, the ICS, located in Washington DC is supporting the growth of the industries in Jamaica. It is important to note that the ICS acts as the voice of all Caribbean Islands.

Why Choose to go with ICS

One of the main objectives of the visionaries at ICS is to provide an interactive event to teach business owners and entrepreneurs something about Jamaica and exporting opportunities during the Expo Jamaica event. A meet the people event and a visit to the Bob Marley Museum are among the entertaining and interactive event that will be available to you. This will not only allow you to be a visible part of the Expo but also enrich your experience of Jamaica. You can also use this interaction and ICS’ influence to network with other entrepreneurs and business owners. Consider this trip a bridge to many things.

You can get in touch with the Institute of Caribbean Studies by way of facebook, don’t forget to like their page to stay informed and updated on ICS works. You can also go to the Institute of Caribbean Studies (http:www.icsdc.org) website and contact them from there to find out more about the Expo Jamaica event. The event organizer would like to have all registration completed by April 18^, 2012 in order to accommodate everyone.

Keep in mind this is a business trip and can be written off as a business expense on your taxes (Please check with your locality & tax prep professional) as such.

Business owners, Entrepreneurs, and investors can profit from Expo Jamaica in more ways than one. The added benefit of traveling with the ICS is that you get to sit with Dr Nelson and her compatriots. The potential of networking with business owners and other Entrepreneurs from around the globe also adds to the list of benefits. But the ICS in and of itself is enough to bolster your business as a voice to the United States Congress and Governmental bodies as well as advocating for change in the Caribbean. If you are a business owner in any industry this is an event worth checking out and the nominal cost of traveling with ICS is worth it for the added benefit of having networked with the Institute of Caribbean Studies. Take action, contact the ICS officials and get some knowledge on Expo Jamaica.

Who should think about this as a business venture? If you are a supplier, a Restaurateur, a small shop, events planning company, a hosting company, Construction Company, cosmetics seller, wedding planner, and you can see how the list can grow. Whatever your business there may be something for you at Expo Jamaica for you. There will be over 15 industries present from April 26^th to the 29^th for your convenience.

The Best Part

Expo Jamaica is where? Yes, Jamaica, beautiful Jamaica. You will have the opportunity of seeing why Jamaica is a favorite among the many Islands of the Caribbean. Don’t forget you will be in Jamaica,, the home of the world’s fastest man: Usain Bolt. You can sample the foods, test the waters and relax a little after the work is done, or even in between. But it is Jamaica. Take the time and go work in a place where you could have fun and sun. The ICS urges you to take action and join them in Jamaica for Expo Jamaica. Come buy into your piece of paradise.