Monthly Archives: June 2024

Exclusive interview with Joel Garner, Greatest Cricket bowler of all time from West Indies-2024

Exclusive interview with Joel Garner, Greatest Cricket bowler of all time from West Indies-2024

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The 6’8” former Windies fast bowler will participate in a Cricket Ceremony and Watch Party in midtown Manhattan on Monday, June 17, at the Caribbean-owned and -operated S’Aimer NYC restaurant during an event supported by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.

Garner was a formidable presence for batsmen in the 1970s and 1980s, renowned for his blistering pace, towering bounce and devastating yorkers that often sent stumps flying.

Among bowlers with 200 or more Test wickets, Garner had an impressive average of 20.97. He played his final Test in 1987 alongside his successor, Courtney Walsh, and was the last of the ‘Awesome Foursome’ – Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Joel Garner and Colin Croft – to retire.

Joel Garner (born 16 December 1952) is a former West Indian cricketer, and a member of the highly regarded late 1970s and early 1980s West Indies cricket teams.

Garner is the highest ranked One Day International bowler according to the ICC best-ever bowling ratings, and is 37th in Tests.

Garner was a member of the West Indies teams that won their second world title in the 1979 Cricket World Cup as well as finishing as runners-up at the 1983 Cricket World Cup.

In conjunction with fellow fast bowlers Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Colin Croft, and later Malcolm Marshall, Curtly Ambrose, and Courtney Walsh, the West Indies reached unprecedented heights in the Test and one-day cricket arenas, not losing a Test series in 15 years.

We had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing at Caribbean Tourist Organization, CTO, event Cricket watch party and were Mr. Garner was honored at the S’Aimer NYC restaurant in the heart of Times Square.

See More great interviews of legendary sports greats in our World Liberty TV, Sports Channels by clicking here, World Liberty TV, Sports Blogs by clicking here & Who is Who? of the Sports World Photo-Galleries. By clicking here.

Caribbean Tourist Organizations Caribbean Week NY Event -2024

Caribbean Tourist Organizations Caribbean Week NY Event -2024

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Celebrating its 35th anniversary under the theme “Connecting the Globe, Celebrating Diversity”, Caribbean Week 2024 will showcase a dynamic lineup of events and business meetings.

These sessions will involve the CTO Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Ministerial Council. Discussions will focus on the critical issues shaping the evolution and growth of Caribbean tourism, providing an opportunity for robust and strategic dialogue.

The week kicked off with a church service and a Business and Tourism Marketing Symposium. Returning this year are the Caribbean Media Awards and the much-anticipated Media Marketplace.

In keeping with its commitment to fostering innovation, CTO hosted a special session dedicated to artificial intelligence, underscoring the organization’s forward-thinking approach. Additionally, the impactful work of the CTO Scholarship Foundation and the recently launched Jean Holder Memorial Scholarship will be in the spotlight along with the highly anticipated Women’s Leadership Breakfast Awards.

We also participated in Media market watch event, where media meets many destination, heads Ministers of tourism, PR Companies and many more stake holders, to showcase their destinations in the Caribbean.

We at World Liberty TV, have been covering Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), for over 21 years, I remember Mr. Jean Holder, who founded the CTO, organization and met on four different occasions, as he was the 1st Secretary general / CEO of the Organization, a wonderful man who would sit down with you and speak with you in detail about the progress of Tourism in the Caribbean, I would go as far to say, he was the Godfather of the Tourism industry in the Caribbean and a great visionary, Mr. Holder passed away in Feb 2022, may he rest in peace,  I was very touched to attend Jean Holder Memorial Scholarship, luncheon in his honor, this year, he will never be forgotten by me and millions more in the Caribbean diaspora.

Bevan Springer, President and CEO of Marketplace Excellence, Luncheon donated $2500.00 dollars to the Jean Holder Memorial Scholarship fund. alongside with his team were the organizers of Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), week. I also want to say I have known Bevan over 20 years, he is a very honorable man, who strives to the very highest level, and I believe he and his team are the right choice to help put the Caribbean Tourist organization back to his glory days. He and his staff are professional and headed in the right way, I also want to give a shout out to Heather Gibbs, who is always helping and getting information to us.

About the Caribbean Tourism Organization: The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), headquartered in Barbados, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency, comprising membership of the region’s finest countries and territories, including Dutch-, English- and French-speaking, as well as a range of private sector allied members.

The CTO’s vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year-round, warm-weather destination, and its purpose is Leading Sustainable Tourism – One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean.

Among the benefits to its members, the organization provides specialized support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning and execution, and research and information technology.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation is the headline sponsor of Caribbean Week in New York. Gold sponsors include the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.

Sandals Resorts International is a silver sponsor, and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is a bronze sponsor. Additional supporters include Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Caribbean Media Exchange, Diamonds International, and Marketplace Excellence.

Also a quick shout out to the 1st Woman to hold the title as the Secretary General/ CEO, MS. Dona Regis-Prosper, congrats to her. Minister Bryan lauded Regis-Prosper for her “wealth of experience, a passion for tourism and a commitment to the Caribbean that aligns perfectly with our organization’s vision”.

Dona Regis-Prosper has held prominent leadership roles in the public and private sectors within the Caribbean region. “Her qualified understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face positions her as an ideal leader to guide the organization into a prosperous future,” said Minister Bryan.

As Secretary-General, Regis-Prosper will be charged with providing strategic direction and leadership to the CTO staff, collaborating with more than two dozen member countries and territories, and working closely with partners and stakeholders to advance the organization’s mission.

This was one of the best CTO, events I attended, many great speakers, Ministers in attendance and of course meeting the Cricket Legend Joel Garner and interviewing him. You can see his exclusive interview in our World Liberty TV, Sports Channels by Clicking here.

You can see many videos and blogs of CTO, in our World Liberty TV, Travel and Tourism Channels by clicking here.

2024 Commerce Next Growth Show –NYC

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By: Gloria Smith, Associate Editor for World Liberty TV CommerceNext, a community, event series and conference for marketers at retail and direct-to-consumer brands, today announced that the 2024 Ecommerce Growth Show will take place June 11-13 in NYC at the New York Hilton Midtown. Additionally, Commerce Next adds...
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National Puerto Rican Day Parade NYC-2024

National Puerto Rican Day Parade NYC-2024

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BY: Adal Hussain, Chief Editor,  Ntl  Puerto-Rican Day Parade , 44st ,5th Ave NY, June 9th  2024.

2024 Celebration dedicated to San Germán and Puerto Rican communities of Hawaii and Special tribute to traditional Puerto Rican folkloric dance.

The Board of Directors of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade (NPRDP) made its first announcements of themes, tributes, and honorees for the 67th annual festivities. Under the 2024 theme, Boricua de Corazón, the two- week celebration of Puerto Rican culture, history, and contributions to global society culminates in its iconic procession up New York City’s Fifth Avenue on Sunday, June 9, at 11am EDT.

This year’s Parade celebration is dedicated to the municipality of San Germán, Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican communities of Hawaii.

Affectionately known as “La Ciudad de las Lomas” (City of the Hills) and settled in 1511, San Germán is Puerto Rico’s second-oldest municipality and one of its first Spanish settlements.

Known for its colonial architecture, cobblestoned streets and rich cultural heritage, San Germán is home to over one 100 historic buildings, including the iconic Porta Coeli, a church and convent built in 1609.

With roots that date back to the late 1800s, the Puerto Rican communities of Hawaii have built a long legacy of maintaining cultural heritage while embracing their Hawaiian identity, enriching the diverse tapestry of the Hawaiian people, and contributing to local economic development.

Jovet is recognized for being Puerto Rico’s first female TV presenter, in 1968. Her illustrious, decades-long career has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including the Emmy, the José de Diego Award and an honorary Doctorate in Criminal Justice from John Jay College in New York City. Jorge Rivera Nieves, also a TV news anchor in Puerto Rico, is recognized for his award-winning career spanning almost half a century.

He received the 2021 Silver Circle award from the Suncoast Emmy Awards in recognition for excellence in journalism and contributions to the industry.

For that reason, NPRDP pays tribute to select folkloric dance groups that preserve, perform, and give energy to traditional Puerto Rican dance. These include: Areyto Ballet Folklórico Nacional de Puerto Rico, San Juan,   BombaYo, New York City, Bombazo Dance Company, New York City , Danza Fiesta, New York City,  Escuela de Bomba Tata Cepeda, Kissimmee, Florida, Pleneros de la 21, New York CityAnd Segunda Quimbamba Folkloric Center, Jersey City, NJ.

Health and Well-being of Children: Every year, the NPRDP raises awareness of a prominent cause or non-profit related to issues of importance to the Puerto Rican community. In 2024, the NPRDP recognizes the work of Fundación de Niños de Puerto Rico.

A non-profit organization in Puerto whose mission is to improve the quality-of-life of children diagnosed with cancer, malformations, or chronic diseases.

La Fundación helps families pay for medical services and treatments not covered by health insurance plans. NPRDP recognizes Fundación de Niños for their commitment for their positive impact and commitment to assisting Puerto Rico’s most vulnerable.

2024 NPRDP Events took place:152nd St. Cultural Festival on May 25 – Between Jackson and Tinton Streets, at 11am – 6pm.Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on June 2 – Fifth Avenue and E. 51 Street, New York City, at 4pm.

Scholarship Gala Fundraiser on June 7 – The Plaza, 768 Fifth Ave, New York City, at 6:30pm and 67th Annual Parade on June 9 – Fifth Ave between 44th and 79th Streets, New York City, at 11am.

The National Puerto Rican Day Parade  marched up New York’s Fifth Avenue, in one of United States largest cultural celebrations with an estimated attendance of one million people.

The Parade will be broadcast on the WABC Channel 7 in New York at 12 noon EDT and streamed on the station’s website, and on the station’s free news and connected TV apps on Amazon FireTV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku.

The NPRDP Board of Directors thanks the following sponsors and media partners for their support in making the 67th Annual celebration possible: Corona, Manhattan Beer Distributors, the Walt Disney Company and ABC7 New York, City University of New York, Liberty Coca-Cola, the Amazing Mets Foundation, Miranda Family Fund, Acacia Network, MetroPlusHealth, Popular Bank, GFR Media and Junte Boricua, P&G, Red Bull, Lincoln Center, NBC4 and Telemundo47 in New York, Monster Energy, Dollar Tree, Rainbow Apparel, and Door Dash.

About the National Puerto Rican Day Parade: Renown for being America’s largest celebration of Puerto Rican pride and achievement, the Parade is an iconic platform for cultural preservation and collective legacy-building that was born from the New York City Puerto Rican community’s struggle for equity, inclusion, and validation in the 1950s.

Under its slogan, Un Pueblo, Muchas Voces (One People, Many Voices), the NPRDP promotes Culture, Arts and Education, with special tributes to historical figures and key themes to raise awareness of critical issues and causes to our community.

Thousands of people marched up fifth Ave, with many more lined up and watching behind the barricades, and millions more watching it live streamed on ABC TV. Some of the dignitaries marched in parade included: New York state Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, New York State Attorney general Letita James, Eric Gonzalez ,Brooklyn District attorney ,  Jumaane Williams, New York City Public Advocate, New York City Comptroller , Brad Landers, Many council members and many other political leaders.

See more about the 67th National Puerto Rican Day Parade NYC-2024, in our World Liberty TV, Latino Channels by clicking here.

 

46th Annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference -2024

46th Annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference -2024

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Hospitality and Financial Industry Executives Discussed the Latest Trends, Economic Influences and Projections at the 46th Annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference.

This week at the 46th annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference (NYU IHIIC), operated by Questex, a leading information services and event company, in partnership with the NYU School of Professional Studies (NYU SPS) and its Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, top industry executives, from CEOs of hotel brands to various investment and real estate executives, discussed the latest trends, economic influences and projections.

The NYU IHIIC hosted more than 2,100 delegates, 20% of which were equity investors, representing more than $70B in hotel assets under management.

Sixty percent of investor attendees attended the conference for the first time, demonstrating the increasing appeal of hospitality as an investment class.

The NYU IHIIC has been the touchstone for hotel investment and development in the Americas for over 40 years.

Yearly, the conference program delivers unparalleled thought leadership through keynotes, general sessions, workshops, and networking events.

Over 180 top industry executives delivered unparalleled thought leadership through keynotes, general sessions and workshops.

This year’s event theme “Driving Alpha” showcased opportunities for those with expertise of the hotel/hospitality sector to drive profitability through operational innovation.

The opening keynote address was delivered by Ellen Zentner, Managing Director and Chief US Economist at Morgan Stanley, who set the tone with an overview of the ever-evolving macroeconomic landscape and its impact on the hospitality industry and the capital markets.

Other prominent leaders who presented at NYU IHIIC include: Geoff Ballotti, President and Chief Executive Officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Brian Kelly, The Points Guy, Gloria Guevara Manzo, Chief Special Advisor, Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia (and former Secretary for Tourism of Mexico and former President and CEO of the WTTC).

Blackstone’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Jon Gray, received the inaugural Jonathan Tisch Active Citizenship Award.

The award celebrates the positive impact and achievements of a leader in the hospitality industry. Gray also participated in a Fireside Chat with Tisch, covering the state of the industry and his philanthropy.

“The CEOs Check In: Industry Titans on Driving the Hospitality Market” session brought together the leaders of the world’s major hospitality companies to share their insights on the shifts in the hospitality, travel, and real estate markets.

Anthony Capuano, President and Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International; Christopher J. Nassetta, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hilton; Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer, IHG Hotels & Resorts; Mark S. Hoplamazian, President and Chief Executive Officer; Hyatt Hotels Corporation; and Sébastien M. Bazin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Accor will share the macro-trends that will have the most significant impact on the market, the events that will reshape the industry, and the strategies for surpassing goals. The session was hosted by Sara Eisen, Anchor, Closing Bell, CNBC.

“For more than four decades, the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference has been the go-to event for industry business leaders,” said Alexi Khajavi, Group President Hospitality, Wellness and Travel, Questex.

“In its first year under Questex management control, we have helped the conference grow while also delivering unparalleled content.

The robust discussions and insights shared by industry leaders highlight the resilience of our sector and also paved the way for innovative strategies and renewed growth.

I am particularly impressed by the forward-thinking approaches that emerged from the sessions. I expect they will set a strong foundation for future success.”

Nicolas Graf, Jonathan M. Tisch Chaired Professor and Associate Dean of the NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, said, “This year’s event carried on the tradition of engaging discussions and debates, emblematic of our industry’s dynamism and its innovative thinking and actions.

We look forward to seeing how the thought-provoking ideas and themes discussed here play out in the coming months and learning more about their impact when we gather again for the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference in June 2025.”

A share of proceeds from the event will help fund student scholarships at the NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality and further support the program’s mission of educating and preparing future leaders and innovators for careers in global hospitality management, travel, and tourism.

NYU IHIIC 2025 takes place June 1-3, 2025 at the Marriott Marquis in New York.

About the NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality: The NYU School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, now celebrating nearly 30 years of academic excellence, is a leading center for the study of hospitality, travel, and tourism.

Founded in 1995, the Tisch Center was established in response to the growing need for hospitality and tourism undergraduate and graduate education.

Its cutting-edge curricula attract bright, motivated students who seek to become leaders in their fields The Tisch Center recently launched the Hospitality Innovation Hub (HI Hub), which will foster entrepreneurship and creative solutions for the industries it serves.

About Questex: Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences.

We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here.

Three roundtable and special presentations were in the hospitality sector and tourism we attended, if you or your company is interested further go to each of the countries websites to learn about some of these projects.

Invest Saudi: where the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mahmoud Abdul Hadi, and his team spoke at the conference and shared their vision, for investors to come to Saudi Arabia, to build hotels, and engage in different business ventures, the minister and his team shared their vision of the Crown Prince Bin Salman’s Neom Project, a futuristic, technologically advanced city and economic zone aimed at diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy away from oil dependence.  to learn more about this 1 Trillion-dollar project, click here the NEOM Project. , other projects discussed were to learn more and to be part of these projects, click here for more information.

SMIT Morocco, Ministry of Tourism for Morocco: Younes Hajoui, Asset Management head and Salim Mikram, Independent Advisor of ISTICH Consulting, spoke about great opportunities   in Morocco, Morocco will become the second African country to host a FIFA football world cup after South Africa in 2010. The football’s world governing body announced on Wednesday (Oct. 04) that the north African kingdom together with Portugal and Spain will be joint hosts for the 2030 World Cup. Mr Hajoui, went on to say, they are building the world’s largest soccer stadium in the world, and many people are buying hotels, in the area, and will benefit hugely with millions of people in attendance. He also went on to say, they have great airports in the area, great rail service and other great infrastructure in place to handle the masses of people. To learn more or to invest in SMIT Morocco, click here.

Turismo De Portugal: 2 People Spoke about great opportunities, one of the speakers was Jose Tiago Silva, Partner of Explorer Investments, Mr Silva spoke how his company has close to 1 billion dollars of investment in Portugal in the Hospitality, sectors.

He also went on to say, there is many great opportunities’ in the hospitality sectors and the government is very friendly and offering many incentives for investors to invest in the hospitality sectors. To learn more click here.

It was a well-attended event, one of the elite hospitality conferences of the world, bring who is who? see more conferences like this in our World Liberty TV, Business Channels by clicking here.

New Queens Pride Parade , Queens NY-2024

New Queens Pride Parade , Queens NY-2024

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BY: Adal Hussain, Chief Editor,  Queens Pride Parade 37th Ave Jackson Heights Queens NY  , June 2nd 2024

The parade was founded by Daniel Dromm and co-chaired by Maritza Martinez to raise the visibility of the LGBTQ community in Queens and memorialize Jackson Heights resident Julio Rivera.

Queens also serves as the largest transgender hub in the Western hemisphere and is the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world.

The Queens Pride Parade formed in response to Rivera’s murder and, more directly, to the 1992 homophobic outcry over the inclusion of gay and lesbian content in the Children of the Rainbow curriculum, which was designed to teach children tolerance of all of New York City’s diverse communities.

As a result, former NYC Council Finance Chair Daniel Dromm, who was then a public school teacher in the borough’s Community School District 24 (where the controversy was centered).

Came out as openly gay and decided to counter the ensuing propaganda with a family-friendly celebratory parade that would promote LGBT visibility and pride, and be based in a neighborhood where many closeted gay people lived.

Daniel Dromm, Queens Lesbian & Gay Pride Committee co-chair, 1999.

On November 22, 1992, the initial planning meeting was held in Dromm’s Flushing apartment, and the formation of the Queens Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee (QLGPC) followed soon after at a meeting of Queens Gays and Lesbians United (Q-GLU).

Co-chaired by Dromm and Cuban-born LGBT rights activist Maritza Martinez, QLGPC canvassed neighborhood gay bars for donations and support. Dromm later recalled that some bar owners were resistant, “It was a very quiet lesbian and gay community — a large one but not a very visible one. People were worried that if they became visible, they would pay a price.”

The first Queens Pride Parade and Multicultural Festival took place on Sunday, June 6, 1993, and an estimated 10,000 people attended.

The parade route ran from 89th to 75th Streets along 37th Avenue, which was painted with a lavender line.

The accompanying stage show featured drag queen and transgender performers, who were also pivotal beforehand in helping to raise money and promote the parade at the gay bars where they regularly entertained. Martinez gave a bilingual speech, with the following spoken in Spanish.

This year’s Grand Marshall’s were: Leroy Comrie New York State Senator Leroy Comrie was elected to represent the 14th Senatorial District of Queens (encompassing portions of Jamaica, Cambria Heights, Queens Village, Hollis, St. Albans, Laurelton, Jamaica Estates, Briarwood, Hillcrest and Kew Gardens) in November 2014, officially taking office January 1, 2015.

Billy Green, New York State’s Teacher of the Year Billy Green is a veteran of multiple city schools, current teacher at A. Philip Randolph Campus High School in Manhattan and dedicated community servant both in his native Harlem and in Africa.

Amber Ferrer: Community Advocate, Amber ‘s profound pride in her community extends beyond her honor as a Grand Marshal. Under her leadership, Jackson Heights’ own Friend’s Tavern and Viva La Heights celebrate individuality, inclusivity, and empowerment, providing a safe and uplifting space for all 365 days a year.

Live entertainment was headed by, Carlos Basquiat now has loved the art of dance for as far back as he can remember., Jonte’ Moaning, Who collaborates with Beyoncé, Janet Jackson and BLACKPINK, has immaculate dance technique, flawless fashion serves, and pioneering androgynous vibes in heels, Julius Ferreira better known to the world of nightlife as Julius Caeser was born and raised in Queens, New York. Since young he has always been a social butterfly and so many more entertainers, performing at the stage.

Thousands marched at the 2024, New Queens Pride Parade, other dignitaries in attendance included, New York State Attorney General Letitia James, Queens Borough President, Richard Donovan, Michael Gianaris Senate Deputy Leader. ( D, WF ) 12th Senate District , Jessica Ramos, New York State Senator for District 13, Catalina Cruz, New York’s 39th State Assembly district, Lynn C. Shulman , District 29 – Council Member, Tiffany Caban, Council Member for the 22nd District in Queens and More Politicians in attendance. 

Other Dignitaries included: Kenneth Adams  president of LaGuardia Community College, Dennis M. Walcott  President and CEO of Queens Public Library.

The New Queens Pride and Festival is produced by the LGBT Network.The LGBT Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is a home and voice for LGBT people, their families, and support systems in Long Island and Queens.

Our three LGBT community centers help LGBT people to be themselves, stay healthy, and change the world.

Since 1993, we have been pioneering advocacy and social change to create safe space for LGBT people where they live, learn, work, play, and pray.

See More in our World Liberty TV, LGBTQ+ Channels, Blogs and who is who ? of the LGBTQ+ Elite Photo-Gallery .

 

 

29th Annual Cielo Gala at Cipriani Wall St NYC-2024

29th Annual Cielo Gala at Cipriani Wall St NYC-2024

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The Latino Commission on AIDS will host its annual Cielo Gala on Friday, May 31, 2024, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, kicking off Pride month and celebrating its 29th year.

Those being honored are Dr. Mitchell Katz, president and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals; former White House Director of National AIDS Policy Harold Philips; screenwriter and producer Steven Canals; and community activist, Valerie Jimenez-Reyes.

This year’s gala will be held in memory of beloved trans advocate and pillar in the New York LGBTQ+ community, Ms. Cecilia Gentili.

“We are humbled and absolutely thrilled to be joined by amazing leaders and advocates in the fight against HIV and AIDS as we continue our mission for creating safe spaces where all Latinx people can access proper healthcare,” said Guillermo Chacon, president of the Latino Commission on AIDS.

“Latinos remain disproportionately affected by HIV, both in terms of new HIV diagnosis and the total number of HIV cases. We must resist the urge of complacency and continue education and prevention efforts in all communities until we eradicate the virus completely!”

The Cielo Gala is an important platform to recognize the work of those who support the Commission’s goals of ending HIV and AIDS and improving overall health outcomes and wellness for the Hispanic/Latinx community.

 Dr. Katz is the president and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, the largest public healthcare system in the United States. Under his leadership, NYC Health + Hospitals has become a beacon of hope for those who have historically faced barriers to quality healthcare.

This year’s Esperanza Award celebrates Dr. Katz’s outstanding dedication to public health, particularly his unwavering commitment to serving underserved communities in New York City.

During his tenure as Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy from June 2021 to January 2024, Mr. Phillips played a pivotal role in shaping the Biden Administration’s domestic HIV/AIDS priorities.

His leadership was instrumental in monitoring and implementing the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, ensuring that America’s response to the epidemic was comprehensive, accelerated, and inclusive of the experiences of those at risk of and living with HIV.

 Philips’ invaluable contributions have left a lasting impact on HIV/AIDS advocacy and policy. The Compañero Award serves as a testament to Mr. Phillips’ unwavering commitment, leadership and dedication to ending the HIV epidemic.

In a cultural landscape often marked by silence and stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, Steven Canals emerged as a powerful voice for those affected by the epidemic.

Drawing inspiration from his own experiences and the stories of those within the LGBTQ+ community, Canals has dedicated himself to amplifying narratives that have long been marginalized. Beyond the screen, Canals has consistently leveraged his influence to effect real change.

Canals is being honored with the ILKA Award, named after the late actress and advocate Ilka Tanya Payán, for his tireless efforts in advocating for people living with HIV/AIDS, dismantling stigma, and expanding access to resources.

The award was presented by POSE actor, model, singer, and activist Laith Ashley.

The Denis Deleon Voz the Compromiso Award honors the selflessness and commitment of persons living with HIV and AIDS who dedicate themselves to enlighten the public about the disease and support others who are affected by it.

This year, the Latino Commission on AIDS is honoring Valerie Jimenez-Reyes due to her relentless organizing efforts with Housing Works and activism in the HIV and AIDS space.

After testing positive for HIV in 1989, Jimenez – Reyes has been a devoted advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as those suffering from homelessness, substance use, and mental health disorders in New York City.

The 2024 Cielo Gala was hosted by Dominic Colón, actor and producer.The night l also featured a fashion show by Brazilian designer and project runway alum, Layana Aguilar.

Three-time Grammy-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra along with DJ Missy B will provide live entertainment during the event.

The event was well attended, close to 300 people were in attendance, people from all over the USA were in attendance at the iconic event space at Cipriani wall Street. See More great videos like these , in in our World Liberty TV, Latino Channels by clicking here.