Island Icons Honors Names Over 100 Nominees for Caribbean Business and Cultural Impact

Caribbean leaders in business and the arts will receive industry recognition on Nov. 10 at the third annual Island Icons Honors. The event, organized by the Carib Biz Network (CBN), will be held at Industry City in Brooklyn.

The ceremony features more than 100 nominees across 12 categories. These categories include business, fashion, hospitality, media, music, and community development. Dr. Nicole Grimes, CBN’s founder, created the awards to identify individuals who create economic opportunities and preserve cultural heritage.

Brandon Blackwood, a New York-based designer of Jamaican descent, will receive the Icon Vanguard Award. Blackwood launched his namesake accessories brand in 2015. He has gained international recognition for his handbags and contemporary designs.

Sabrina Boissiere will receive the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. As the founder of Natural Partners in Crime, Boissiere has produced more than 50 events since 2013. These events connect the natural hair community with brands and professionals in the United States, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom. She also works in sales education and events for PATTERN Beauty.

Vinay Harrichan, founder of The Cutlass Magazine, will be honored for his work on the Indo-Caribbean community. His platform uses digital storytelling, a podcast, and a virtual museum to explore the history of Indian indentureship. Sharifa Murdock, chief impact officer at Kith, will also be recognized. Murdock co-founded Liberty Fairs and helped launch PROJECT, becoming the first Black woman to own a fashion trade show.

Other honorees include Janelle M. Hopkin, president of Grenada’s Spice Island Beach Resort, and Edvin Thompson, founder of THEOPHILIO. Steven Baboun, a Haitian multidisciplinary artist, will also receive an award for his work on Haitian identity. The Armstrong-Commissiong family will be recognized for contributions to entrepreneurship and education. DJ Puffy, who won the Red Bull Thre3style World Championship in 2016, represents the Caribbean’s influence on music.

The public can vote in two People’s Choice categories: Best Caribbean Digital Comedy Creative of the Year in the United States and Best Caribbean Podcast of the Year. The event program includes a red carpet, awards ceremony, and networking sessions. Guests will dine at Caribbean Eats of NYC, a consortium of Caribbean restaurants.