Caribbean American Lawyers Association celebrates justice and service at annual gala

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 around the legal community for an evening of celebration, recognition, and glamour.

Karlyne Fequiere, Esq., Chief Assistant Corporation Counsel at the NYC Law Department, served as Mistress of Ceremonies. The program opened with a prayer by Hon. Michael Liddie, judge at the NYC Family Court in the Bronx, followed by a performance of the national anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Donna Perry.

Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix, retired judge and CALA’s founding president, delivered a welcome address.

Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, CALA has grown steadily over nearly six years, providing scholarships for students, offering continuing legal education programs, conducting community events, and co-sponsoring initiatives with partner organizations.

In her presidential message, Hinds-Radix reaffirmed the association’s commitment to financial support for aspiring legal professionals and protecting the rule of law.

The evening’s centerpiece was the presentation of the 2026 honoree awards. Yvette Hinds-Wills, co-founder and third vice president of CALA, received the Founder’s Award. Hon. Karen Gopee, justice of the NYS Supreme Court in Queens County, was named Outstanding Jurist of the Year.

Hon. 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, Esq., former NYC correction commissioner, earned the Outstanding Public Servant Award.

Dr. Millicent Comrie, director and founder of the Center of Women’s Health at Maimonides Medical Center, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

For more information about the event and the organization, visit cala-nyc.org.