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The Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) is a non-partisan, non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization established in 1993 dedicated 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 assist in the execution of actions that result from that dialogue.
HISTORY
Since its inception, ICS has been on the forefront of the challenge to bring attention to the issues of critical importance to the Caribbean American community, which numbers over 10 million. ICS represents an important role in history as the first Caribbean-American community organization in the Washington DC area devoted to the successful inclusion of Caribbean-Americans in US policy making, and the economic development of the Caribbean region. ICS location in Washington DC makes it an ideal interlocutor, advocate and intermediary between the US government, multilateral agencies, the private sector, Caribbean-American communities, and Caribbean governments.
ICS has established and will continue to develop partnerships and collaborative relationships with local and national organizations in the US and the Caribbean, such as National Minority Suppliers Development Council, the National Education Association (NEA), the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Global Rights Law Group, World Bank/IMF Caribbean Staff Association, Caribbean Research Center, National Medical Association, and the Caribbean Policy Development Center to meet its objectives.
MISSION
ICS is dedicated to building bridges between Caribbean Americans and the US population at large. Together with partner organizations from industry, government and civil society, we have made the Institute of Caribbean Studies, the leading Caribbean American organization in the nation’s capital. Our mission is to provide our partners with solutions to the challenges they face, that will enable their survival, growth, and prosperity in the ever changing global marketplace, by providing education, advocacy and action that supports their missions.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Institute's activities include workshops, seminars, symposia, and conferences. A selected listing of our exemplary accomplishments includes:
2006 Lead Commemoration of JUNE as Caribbean American Heritage Month
2005 ICS lauded by Congressman Rangel in the Congressional Register
2005 Launch ‘WomanLEAD’ Leadership and Empowerment Training Program, Jamaica
2005 Launch DC Caribbean Literary Festival
2005 Lead Public Relations Campaign for House Concurrent Resolution 71 to declare June National Caribbean American Heritage Month
2004 Launch Public Relations Campaign for National Caribbean American Heritage Month
2004 Help Draft House Resolution 570 to declare June, National Caribbean American Heritage Month
2003 Caribbean American Leadership Dialogue with Minister Floyd Morris of Jamaica
2003 Launch Caribbean Congressional Summer Internship Fellowship Program
2002 CBC Friends of the Caribbean Appreciation Lunch, with Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas,
Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis & Moderator, Caribbean Brain Trust
2002 Arts Empowerment Summer Camp, Operation Restoration, Kingston, Jamaica
2002 Second Annual DC Caribbean Film Festival
2001 Caribbean American Leadership Dialogue, International Monetary Fund
2001 Promotion of June as Caribbean Heritage Month in Washington D.C.
2001 Support for Caribbean Brain Trust at the CBC Annual Conference
2001 First Annual DC Caribbean Film Festival
2001 Production of 30 second Television PSA in support of the UNWCAR
2001 Organize Public Briefings of CARICOM Secretary General in Washington DC
2000 Promotion of June as Caribbean Heritage Month in Washington DC
2000 Participation in Bellagio Consultation on UN World Conference Against Racism (UNWCAR)
2000 Caribbean-American Leadership Dialogue, World Bank
1999 First White House Briefing on Caribbean American Issues
1999 First US/Caribbean Legislative Forum, Capitol Hill
1998 Organize Private Visit of Prime Minister of St. Lucia to Washington D.C.
1998 Health Sector Lunch Symposium with Ministers of Health
1997 Agribusiness Taskforce/Historically Black College & Universities Visit to Jamaica
1996 Organize Private Visit of Prime Minister of Barbados to Washington DC
1996 Organize Educational Seminar for Chaconia Mutual Fund
1996 Represent Caribbean Diaspora at CARICOM Heads of Government Conference
1996 Video Documentary on the Caribbean community in Montgomery County, Maryland
1996 Participation in Caribbean Brain Trust at Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference
1995 Caribbean Pavilion at the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Annual Legislative Conference
1994 Establish Caribbean American Heritage Awards
1994 Symposium on Economic Development with Caribbean Ministers of Finance
1993 Young Technocrats Technology Summer Youth Camp in Jamaica
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