Caribbean American Lawyers Association honours jurists and public servants at annual gala
More than 300 guests attended the gala at El Caribe Country Club in Brooklyn, where Dr Millicent Comrie received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
NEW YORK, United States. 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 across the legal community.
Karlyne Fequiere, chief assistant corporation counsel at the New York City Law Department, was mistress of ceremonies. The programme opened with a prayer by Michael Liddie, a judge of the New York City Family Court in the Bronx, followed by the national anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, performed by Donna Perry.
Founding president’s address
Sylvia Hinds-Radix, a retired judge and CALA’s founding president, delivered the welcome address.
Founded during the Covid-19 pandemic, CALA has grown steadily over nearly six years, providing scholarships for students, offering continuing legal education programmes, holding community events and co-sponsoring initiatives with partner organisations.
In her presidential message, Ms Hinds-Radix reaffirmed the association’s commitment to financial support for aspiring legal professionals and to protecting the rule of law.
The honourees
The centrepiece of the evening was the presentation of the 2026 awards.
Yvette Hinds-Wills, co-founder and third vice-president of CALA, received the Founder’s Award. Karen Gopee, a justice of the New York State Supreme Court in Queens County, was named Outstanding Jurist of the Year.
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, former New York City correction commissioner, received the Outstanding Public Servant Award.
Dr Millicent Comrie, director and founder of the Center of Women’s Health at Maimonides Medical Center, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The association’s board includes Rudyard Whyte as chair, with Michael Liddie and Michele Rodney among its vice-presidents.
