Kittitian honored at 18th annual Caribbean American Heritage Awards

Washington, DC – Technology guru and global information strategist Larry Quinlan of St. Kitts accepted an award for his outstanding success in the Information Technology industry at the 18th Annual Caribbean American Heritage Award. Mr. Quinlan was presented the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Corporate America by the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) in Washington, DC on Friday, Nov. 11.

Mr. Quinlan serves as Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Deloitte LLP, an internationally recognized management consulting company. “I am truly humbled. This is a long way from St. Kitts to Deloitte,” said Mr. Quinlan referring to his home country St. Kitts-Nevis in the Eastern Caribbean. “I am deeply honored and pleased.”

As CIO for Deloitte, Mr. Quinlan oversees more than 3,000 employees and coordinates the company’s global strategy on technology. He also consults with businesses and individuals on ways that technology that can be used to increase efficiency. Mr. Quinlan expressed his interest in seeing technology used as a medium to expose Caribbean youth to opportunities for growth and economic development.

“I think it’s important to apply technology to education. More and more we are realizing that proficiency in technology would be a tremendous determinant for success.” said Mr. Quinlan, who has dedicated more than 10 years of his professional life to demonstrating the connections between technology and business success. “All of our children need to become well versed in technology. Here in the U.S., there is an abundance of technology in the classroom and teachers that are very familiar with it. We have to create a similar atmosphere in the Caribbean so that all students are equipped with the skills and can help our region compete globally.”

Mr. Quinlan was one of eight individuals who selected for their extraordinary accomplishments. ICS President Dr. Claire Nelson said Mr. Quinlan was selected for his impact and influence in the corporate world and promoting IT.

“Mr. Quinlan has effectively shown that technology has a place in every aspect of our lives, from the boardroom to the living room. His accomplishments within corporate America, including rising to a top position in an internationally recognized company and playing a critical role in their vision and strategy, demonstrates the reach and impact that Caribbean Americans are making in the United States,” Dr. Nelson said.

The Caribbean American Heritage Awards honors Caribbean Americans for their contributions on a professional, social and cultural level to the American landscape. Past award recipients have included U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, actress Cicely Tyson and Black Enterprise Publisher Earl Graves.

The other 2011 award honorees included:

Rev. Neville Callam, of Jamaican heritage is Secretary General of the World Baptist Alliance, a 47 million-member body of Baptists in 200 countries. An inspirational leader, Rev. Callam founded The Breath of Change (TBC FM), a religious radio station, and was a founding director of the National Religious Media Company of Jamaica, the operator of LOVE FM and LOVE TV. He received the Luminary Award

Maryse Condé, a Guadeloupian author, has garnered worldwide acclaim for her novels that intertwine history with important social issues such as gender, race and discrimination. She received the Award for Excellence in Literature.

Hazelle Goodman, a Trinidadian actress and comedienne, successfully created a cadre of characters that earned her an HBO special. She has starred in several movies, including earning the first black female role in a Woody Allen move. She accepted the Award for Excellence in the Arts.

Garth Fagan is the award-winning Jamaican choreographer of Garth Fagan Dance. His awe-inspiring and breathtaking choreography for The Lion King earned him the 1998 Tony Award. He has earned numerous recognitions for his skillful movements and intricate knowledge of human form through dance. These include the 2000 Laurence Olivier Award, 2001 Ovaon Award, and the 2004 Helpmann Award for his work on Broadway. Fagan was presented the Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award.

Janet Rollé, of Jamaican heritage, is the executive vice president and chief marketing office for CNN. Rollé oversees the promotion and marketing of CNN’s multiple networks and services and is responsible for brand strategy, consumer and trade communication, audience development, and sales communications supporting CNN brands and programming. She accepted the Trailblazer Award.

Dr. Frank L. Douglas, of Guyana, turned his love of science into a successful biotechnology business. A biochemist by training, Dr. Douglas helps to connect the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry to opportunities for investment and growth. He received the Award for Outstanding Entrepreneurship.

Dr. Arlie Petters, of Belize, is a renowned physicist who has earned international recognition for his groundbreaking research on how light is affected by the warping of space and time. He was the first to develop the mathematical theory of gravitational lensing which is instrumental to astronomy and math. He accepted the Award for Excellence in Science and Technology.

The Nov. 11 affair was attended by more than 250 individuals who were entertained by emerging Caribbean American artists including Jamaican reggae fusion artist Ruth Ann Brown, mezzo soprano singer Bridgette Cooper and the dance troupe FuturPointe of Rochester, N.Y. The CARAH Awards is ICS’ major fundraiser. This year’s proceeds will benefit LifeSEED, ICS Youth Entrepreneurship Program for which a capital campaign was launched.