Caribbean news. It was an evening to behold. The highly anticipated and much publicized Caribbean Knights has hit the mark of being regarded as a quality event with tremendous potential. Staged at the Kensington Close Hotel in London last Saturday 11th April, the pre-launch to the upcoming Caribbean Food and Drink Conference and Expo 2015 was described as an excellent event for the celebration of Caribbean food and drink.

Photo courtesy CaribDirect

Kensington Close Hotel was the proud host to over 200 well dressed Caribbean nationals intrigued by this new concept designed to usher in the first of a series of Caribbean Food and Drink Conferences and Expos created by CaribDirect Multi-Media in collaboration with Fairweather Productions.

Photo courtesy CaribDirect

In true Caribbean style the venue was donned by representatives of several Caribbean territories such as Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago all of whom gelled and socialized in a fashion that was particularly special, thereby demonstrating in a practical way CaribDirect’s ethos of bringing Caribbean nationals in the Diaspora together for positive outcomes.

Photo courtesy CaribDirect

The first Caribbean Knights was graced with a number of distinguished guests including Acting High Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda High Commission, Mrs Althea Vanderpoole Banahene; Minister Counselor for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines High Commission Mrs Doris Charles; Scientist and speaker at the Caribbean Food and Drink Conference 2015, Mrs Elizabeth Mullings-Smith and Bajan celebrity Michelin Chef and speaker at the Caribbean Food and Drink Conference 2015, Jason Howard.

Consistent with providing small to medium sized businesses with opportunities to trade or promote their wares, members of CaribDirect International Business Network (CIBN) and other vendors were provided with stands at the Caribbean Knights event and attracted much attention and in many cases generated sales. The businesses included Amlet Travel, South London Club, Chyna Whyne’s Walking in Stiletto, Jamaica Heritage Books, Tropical Connections, Hotspice Caribbean Restaurant, Affinity Legacy and Jewel Isle Rum Punch.

Photo courtesy CaribDirect

Adding a touch of royalty to the evening were the Miss Trinidad and Tobago UK pageant Queens Miss Sophia Joseph and Miss Zania Linton who were appropriately decked out in their regal regalia and positioned conspicuously at the main entrance to the event to meet and greet the many expectant guests. Many said they were a delight to behold and added a nice touch to the overall theme of the event…of course Knights and Queens do go together.

Comedienne Felicity Ethnic is reported to have done a fabulous job at keeping spirits high during the dining and also providing intermittent comedy as an essential warm up to the evening’s highlight, Caribbean Queen ‘Dibbi’. Felicity’s childish looks and cheeky remarks made her quite popular among many guests who couldn’t get enough of her.

Photo courtesy CaribDirect

The main man radio presenter, Wayne ‘Dibbi’ Rollins did not disappoint! He came out in his signature mini dress adorned with an assortment of costume jewelry reminiscent of the 70s and 80s and wasted no time getting into character, his alter ego ‘Dibbi’. What was particularly remarkable was, even before he opened his mouth people were laughing…this nudged him to get down to business. After poking fun at the shiny bald head on a male guest he was off and what a ride it was.

Music was provided by the super talented Freedom Band who had the ravers dancing non-stop for about an hour. Many guests regarded the band as ‘Amazing’ and a must have for future Caribbean Knights events. DJs on the night were Trevor Smith and Sir Lloyd who in their own way kept people moving until 1am with a number of favourite rare groove, soca and reggae selections.

Photo courtesy CaribDirect

Planning has already begun for Caribbean Knights – 2 for Saturday 18th July 2015. We thank all of you who supported the event and look forward to your comments / feedback so we can provide you an even better experience next time.